As a songwriter, how do I copywrite my songs without paying a fortune?

Question

Do I have to go through a lawyer? Do I have to write out each instrument's music? How much does it cost? Does it cost less if I send in all of my songs at once, rather than one at a time? How long will the copywrite last? The more info the better.

Yes, I appreciate it. I have heard of the poormans copywrite. I was actually hoping for something that would stand a bit more firmly in court, should it come to that. I just want to be sure it's official.

Answer 1

I asked a similar question several weeks ago.Here are two web sites I was given.www.songprotector.com/staticphp and http://musicians.about.com/library/week Hope that will help.

Answer 2

Yup, poor man's copyright. I can't say for certain for music, but I know with other art stuff, in the US once you create it it is considered copyrighted to you, without any paperwork unless you want to. Mailing it back to yourself, having that date postmarked on it, can be good evidence proof should it ever be needed.

This site should have more info for you specifically regarding music.
http://www.copyright.gov

Also some info here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright

Answer 3

I think you can protect yourself by puting them in an envelope and mailing them to yourself. When they come back, don't open the letter. This way there is a postmark on the letter and you can at least prove that you wrote them before someone else.

Answer 4

if you want to legally protect your music just put every song on one CD or tape and label it songs by [insert your name]. and copyright it. if you label the individual songs you have to pay for each one, but if you do it this way you can copywrite all of your material for the price of one!

Answer 5

Try a record company or a studio. I think they can help you better than we do

Answer 6

Make your own logo.