Why and How to Copyright Your Music

Perhaps you struggle for hours to work out a certain score of music, as well as the appropriate lyrics to match the melody, or maybe the process of songwriting flows effortlessly from within you. Regardless of how the material is developed, it is crucial that you receive a copyright on the final product. Just imagine your devastation, if the music you poured your soul into was stolen, and then used by a stranger. It is difficult enough to succeed in this business without having your music ripped off. The copyright process may appear a bit daunting, however with some basic knowledge, you will be ready to begin the next step in your career.

Before you start thinking about publishing or selling your material, you need to copyright it. However, it is possible to protect music that you have already published. The thought of wading through mounds of red tape and surfing endless government websites deters many artists from performing this crucial step, but it really isn’t all that bad. There are numerous sites online that offer to do the work for you, but the safest and least expensive way is to do it yourself. The U.S. Copyright office has the appropriate forms available on their site at www.copyright.gov. From the register section of the website you will have several options. This is where you might get confused, as you try to determine, which section to choose and the right form. The correct form for your work will determine the section you should visit.

There are two basic forms used for the copyright of music. The first, Form PA, is available in a long and short version. PA stands for performing arts. This selection is used, if you want to copyright the lyrics and composition of music. You will not be able to copyright the actual recording with this form. For example, if you have written the lyrics, along with the melody and want to protect it from being used without your permission, but do not want to prevent others from recording it, you would want to use Form PA. The short form is for individuals that have written the entire music score or want to protect the portion they own, for instance the words. The long form should be used, if you share rights to the finished product or have borrowed an arrangement from another individual. The music can be written on paper with words and notes or simply captured on tape, CD, as well as other media.

If you want to copyright a recording, you will need to use Form SR, located in the Sound Recording section. This form can also be used, if you wish to protect the recording, lyrics, and the music. However, please be aware that you must own the rights to all portions of the piece, including the recording. Otherwise, the process will need to be completed through both forms. Regardless of which form you use, the non-returnable material will need to be mailed to the Library of Congress care of the Copyright Office, along with a payment of thirty dollars per item. The address is located on the website. It will take four to five months before you receive your certificate.

Obtaining a copyright on your music should be a much easier task now. It is important to protect your work. It can cost thousands of dollars and years of court battles to prove authorship after the fact. In addition, there are no guarantees that you will win. Protecting your music with a copyright is worth the price tag. Once this is completed, you will have taken another step toward launching your career.

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