how can i copyright my songs?

Question

i am really into music but my voice isnt the best so i cant sing and im very low on money
i have none
is there any way for me 2 get my songs and poems copyrighted so no one else will steal them?

Answer 1

Actually, anything you originally produce is automatically copyrighted as the Berne Convention Agreement states, "A work does not have to be registered with the Library of Congress to be copyrighted." Although, if you sue a person for copyright infringement and you have not registered your work with the library of congress you can only sue for damages and not for the cost of your legal fees, which if you are battling a media giant, can cost a pretty penny.

To be absolutely safe, go to http://www.copyright.gov/
to register your material. You don't have to pay for each song you produce if you submit it as 1 volume of songs. (i.e. if you submit a whole album, then all the songs on that album are copyrighted and you only pay one fee. )

Answer 2

When you write them, they are automatically copyrighted. But you get more of certain kind of protections if you register them. There is nothing you can do to keep someone from stealing them if someone wants to, and has the ability to, but copyright law can help you sue them if they do.

In addition to having the copyright in the songs, if you record them you have the copyright of that performance (which is different than the copyright of the songs themselves. )

The FAQ section of the US Copyright Office is helpful about your rights, and how to register.
http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/

Answer 3

go to www.copyright.gov and submit the lyrics and when you put it to song you need to send in your CD and get a Sound Recording Copyright. It will explain how to do it on the site.