It is easy for Songwriters to lose track of their recordings on the Web's vast amount of space that is available for artist to showcase their original material. Exposure is normally a good thing, especially when a Songwriter's music can be published and sold on that enormous exposure. Copyright is recommended to protect the composers original work whether it's published or not from being misused, copied or displayed without permission of the author.
Other Intellectual property that have Registered Copyright include web sites, literary works, musical notation, musical software and song lyrics. Once a songwriter uploads one of his/her songs to the many web sites that offer a platform for any oringinal new music, songwriters can become vulnerable to theft and Intellectual property infringement. With the Internet being the biggest tool for songwriters to be picked up by publishers with MP3 submissions, there is reason enough to have the protection.
This is the symbol (© date- owner) that is seen on works that have been protected. It will carry the date that the copyright was filed and the owner of this intellectual property. If an author’s music or works is copyrighted this symbol should appear be at the end of the musical composition or work.
How to Register a Copyright of a Musical Composition
As a general rule, If registered after Jan.1st 1978, the copyright is good for the life of the author plus 70 years. It is also is not necessary to renew a copyright if it is registered after Jan.1st 1978. Because of the cost of Registered Copyright some writers would mail a copy of music to themselves, to show proof of original ownership using the US Post Office. This was a form of copyright called Poor Man's copyright.
According to the U.S. Copyright Office(FAQ) is not a substitution for Registration.
There are legal firms that will handle Copyright like Legalzoom.com for a package price. The easiest way to get Registered Copyright is to go to the Library of Congress web site on the internet at www.copyright.gov from there click on Registration. There are 3 ways of obtaining Copyright Registration. There is instructions and information on these methods and their hotline number 202-707 9100.
- File Copyright online (ECO) Electronic copyright office - This is the fastest way the fee is $35.00 the advantage is a faster processing time and online status tracking.
- Registration with the Fill-In Form CO - Download the form and mail in with the package .$50.00
- Registration with the Paper Form-Order the form through the mail and return by mail. $65.00
Copyright Information
For the Copyright Office to process the Copyright Registration, takes time. For the Electronic Copyright it could be up to 9 months or less. For the paper applications it could be 22 months or less to recieve certificates. Whatever the time is needed to issue a certificate, the effective date of Registration is the date the Copyright Office receives the complete submission form. You do not need to wait for the certificate to proceed with Publication of any material
- Source US Copyright Office.www.copyright.gov
Jim Galloway - Professional Musician/Published Songwriter for 30 yrs. With over 200 Articles in Recording/Music Buisness/ Resources/Vintage Instruments
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