Kaitlin asks: "I have some songs that I'd like to get copy-written so I can play them at gigs and post them up for the public to hear. How do you go about doing this? Do you worry much about trying to "protect" your stuff?"
I do think it's really important to register the copyright of your songs. When we write, we're hoping that our songs will connect with and touch a large number of people. And if we're fortunate enough for this to happen, we want solid, undeniable proof that it belongs to us. The best way to do this is through the United States Copyright Office (http://www.copyright.gov/). You can register online through the Electronic Copyright Office and it doesn't take too long. The downside is that it does cost $30.00 per copyright and you'll hear back in about 6 months. However, I still suggest this as the best way to protect yourself and I wager that if it became necessary to put it to use, you would be thankful for the investment.
Thanks Kaitlin!
Megan
Great. Thanks for the helpful information!
ReplyDeleteHere's some additional information regarding copyright law for songwriters. According to this lawyer, the song is protected by copyright law from the moment you have a fixed arrangement recorded on some tangible medium (paper, tape, computer, etc.). The government process only registers the copyright and makes it part of a public record. You can save money by registering multiple songs in the same filing.
ReplyDeletemore information here: http://www.lawbass.com/LawNotes-Copyright.html