How do I secure a copyright for an original text or recording?

Question

I have recorded a disc of original songs (both lyrics and music) and I would like to copyright the disc and the written lyrics before giving or selling it to others.

Answer 1

Well, they are already copyrighted. Since 1973, when the United States signed the Berne International Copyright Convention, works are copyrighted from the moment they are first "fixed in tangible form". That is, when you stop thinking about it and write it down or record it.

What you probably want is to REGISTER the copyright. That's simple. Assuming you're in the United States, go to the Library of Congress website, read their Copyright FAQ, download the form, fill it out, send it with the fee, and you're done.

Answer 2

You can do this at the US Copyright Office – see the last 3 links in the source box. The application is fairly simple & the cost is $45 per application.

Despite what others state, a "poor man's" copyright is NOT the same as registering it. Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say:

"The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a 'poor man’s copyright.' There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration."

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

If you're trying to copyright in the U.S., go to the Register of Copyrights website to find the right form. You have to fill it out and send it in with a check for $30 or $40 or something like that. Make sure to follow all directions to the letter or they won't do anything.
Don't know about other countries.

Answer 4

Everytime this subject comes up there is ALWAYS at least one that says "Mail it to yourself", and THAT is always completely WRONG. why? Because the post office is simply putting a time / date stamp on an envelope, they don't know or care what's inside, You're not getting songs stamped - just an envelope, that is why each individual song must be registered and recognized by someone officially other than you. Besides that , i heard with my own ears from a handfull of 10 to 20 year record industry execs at a music buisness seminar, that mailing your own music to yourself is not a recognized and proper copyright.

Answer 5

If you want a quick fix that will work, simply enclose the cd in an envelope and mail it to yourself. The postmark date will show that the contents of the CD were created on or before that date. Thats what copyright is all about....Who created it first?...It may sound ghetto but it would hoold up in court if someone stole your music and you had to sue them...

Answer 6

US copyright office