How do I legally copyright songs/lyrics that our band has written ourselves?

Question

We are recording and want to retain the copyright to our songs. Someone at the studio said they can copyright our stuff, but this was not part of the original agreement. If we've payed to record can they steal our stuff? I'd also like to know if theres a quick way to copyright stuff just incase. Thanks =D

Answer 1

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 2

I don't know where you're based but if it's in the UK this was the situation 10 years ago when I was at sound engineer school.

There are different copyrights for the physical recording and the material itself. Basically, if you've paid to record, then half the copyright of the physical media goes to you and half to the studio. However the material is solely copyright to whoever wrote it, ie you. Studio staff cannot just take what you have recorded and use it without your permission since you own half the media and all the material.

Ways of copyrighting material include but are not limited to:

Making a copy, sending it registered post to yourself and never opening it (the registered bit is important as it will be accepted in court) - fairly cheap.

Taking it to a judge or a lawyer who will swear an affidavit that on X date, X person did present me with X recording - less cheap.

Registering it with the MCPS (Music Copyright Protection Society) - not cheap.

The law may have changed since, but all these should stand legally. If in doubt, contact the MCPS or a CAB. Good luck!

Answer 3

All you really have to do is register it with the US Copyright Office. Their website has the forms you have to download. Just fill out the forms, cut them a check for $30 per copyright (not sure about if that price is right -- haven't copyrighted anything in ages) and send it off with a copy of whatever you're trying to copyright. The thing is, you're going to want to register everything. You have to copyright both the songs as compositions and the recordings you've made if you want full legal protection.

Are you sure the people at the studio didn't mean they were offering to copyright the work for you in your name? I seriously doubt they would rip you off.

Answer 4

Most cities have Legal Aid offices where you can consult a lawyer for free. You should DEFINITELY consult a lawyer before recording!

Way back in the day, (like 20 years ago!) you used to be able to send your material to yourself in the mail and then when it arrives, DONT open the envelope. That way, if there was ever a dispute, the postmark on the envelope would verify the date of your material. I don't know if this would be enough in today's market, though. I'd advice you to consult a lawyer instead.

Answer 5

jogs my memory of a no longer particularly so super jack mcmanus song noted as 'Amy'- why no longer write approximately some thing fairly random! no longer a girl you like! for as quickly as, please. identity like to pay attention it if so. i advise who wouldnt choose t pay attention to 'the bannana song'? or 'all of us love cherry pie'?