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May I use the COPAS Accounting Procedure (or other document) in my paper/presentation? 

Our forms and publications are copyrighted, and constitute a significant part of the funding to operate our organization. As such, we generally do not allow people to reproduce and distribute them.

You may quote brief excerpts, so long as you acknowledge the source. However, for longer or extensive excerpts or to reproduce an entire form, you must obtain written approval from the executive director. If the form is an essential part of the presentation/paper, we may be able to work out a solution that allows the content to be conveyed in a manner that will not encourage people to violate the copyright. We also recommend you explain to your audience that the forms/documents are copyrighted and provide information on how they can be purchased.

Would COPAS be interested appearing as an amicus curiae party at our hearing or filing an amicus brief on our behalf on a lawsuit? 

Historically, COPAS has not gotten involved in private disputes between companies. That is not the purpose of our organization. Also, our membership consists of both operators and non-operators, buyers and sellers, and entities of all sizes, so we do not specifically advocate for any one position. Finally, there is a practical aspect to this – i.e., we are a non-profit organization with limited resources. We would have to hire an attorney to prepare and file an amicus brief, and that is not an approved budget item. If a company were to fund this for COPAS, it might call into question the impartiality of the brief.

I need advice on how to handle a matter. 

COPAS is a volunteer organization and does not have a staff of experts available to provide professional advice. The advice and official positions of COPAS are published in our Model Forms, Model Form Interpretations, Accounting Guidelines, and Training & Reference materials. If you are still in need of expert advice, refer to the Commercial Links section of the COPAS website, or advertisements in ACCOUNTS. Educational opportunities and networking with industry experts are some of the benefits of being a member of COPAS. COPAS members can contact other members having the expertise they are seeking, and non-members are encouraged to apply and participate. Refer to our membership/society page.

Can I purchase a 1984 or 1986 COPAS model form accounting procedure? 

Whenever COPAS has issued a new model form, it has discontinued selling the form that was being replaced. This is a long-standing practice. In this case, the 2005 model form replaced the 1984 & 1986 forms.

We recognize that it may take a while for companies to adopt the 2005 and some may prefer to continue using the 1984/1986 forms for a while longer. But continuing to sell the old forms being replaced provides less incentive for companies to adopt the new form. Moreover, COPAS members who are active and knowledgeable in joint interest and audit issues generally prefer the 2005 form.

COPAS offers MFI-51, “2005 Accounting Procedure,” as a resource for those interested in learning more about the form. Also, COPAS members periodically make presentations in various industry forums and have written articles for a number of industry publications on key features of the form.

Testimonials

Networking is so important. It will help with your job and career, and you will gain knowledge you can’t get sitting at a desk. The people in COPAS have mentored me, answered questions for me, and genuinely cared about me and my family.

Melissa Gruenewald
Rating: 5

COPAS has great learning opportunities, leadership opportunities, and ways to develop relationships with other accountants and oil and gas professionals. You will work hard when you get involved, but the experiences, people and benefits will be worth it.

Melissa Gruenewald
Rating: 5

For anyone searching for energy knowledge, professional industry contacts, peers with whom to discuss similar dilemmas, and access to energy experts—COPAS is the place to be!

Carolyn Sczepanski
Rating: 5
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OUR MISSION

COPAS provides expertise for the oil and gas industry through the development of Model Form Accounting Procedures, publications, and education. We are a forum for the active exchange of ideas which result in innovative business and accounting solutions.

COPAS

P.O. Box 21272
Wichita, KS 67208
Tel: 303-300-1131

Contact Us →

CONNECT WITH US

OUR MISSION

COPAS provides expertise for the oil and gas industry through the development of Model Form Accounting Procedures, publications, and education. We are a forum for the active exchange of ideas which result in innovative business and accounting solutions.

COPAS

P.O. Box 21272
Wichita, KS 67208
Tel: 303-300-1131

Contact Us →

CONNECT WITH US

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