Result

Get your songs officially copyrighted and protected with the US Copyright Office -- electronically.

Overview

You immediately have a copyright in a song as soon as you record it, but to get additional benefits under US statutory law, you can register your songs with the US Copyright office. Here are step by step instructions to file your songs and recordings electronically.

Related Categories: Copyright

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes

Estimated Result Time: 2-6 Months

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• A WAV or MP3 of your song (alternatively, a copy of it on CD)
• A payment method 

Directions

1. Click here and create a user account at Copyright.gov.  

2. Choose "Register a Claim".

3. If you are registering a copyright in the sound recording, choose "Sound Recording".

By registering a copyright in the sound recording, you're making a claim that you own that recording of the song -- not the song iteself (i.e. the lyrics and music). If you own both the sound recording and the song, then you should register both. 

4. If you are registering a copyright in the song, choose "Work of the Performing Arts".

By registering your song under the "Performing Arts", you're making a claim that you own the song (i.e. the lyrics and music).  Registering the song is separate than the sound recording. If you own both the song and the sound recording, then you should register both.

5. Follow the online instructions carefully to complete your registration.

6. Submit your payment.

7. Submit a copy of your song and/or sound recording

The registration system offers you a choice - you can upload a WAV or MP3 of your song (other formats are accepted as well) or mail in a copy (which costs more and takes more time). You can also submit multiple files if needed.

8. Sit back and wait.

Once registered, you will receive your copyright certificate evidencing your claim within 2-6 months. Now that you have an account you can check the status of your work, as well as a listing of every copyright you registered online. 

What should I do next?

• How To Join a PRO and Get Double your Income

References

• The Indie Band Survival Guide
• The DIY Music Manual
• US Copyright Office
• Electronic Copyright Office
• eCopyright FAQ
• eCopyright Tutorial
• eCopyright Tips - submitting multiple files
• Copyright Royalty Board

Result

Get your songs officially copyrighted and protected with the US Copyright Office -- electronically.

Overview

You immediately have a copyright in a song as soon as you record it, but to get additional benefits under US statutory law, you can register your songs with the US Copyright office. Here are step by step instructions to file your songs and recordings electronically.

Related Categories: Copyright

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes

Estimated Result Time: 2-6 Months

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• A WAV or MP3 of your song (alternatively, a copy of it on CD)
• A payment method 

Directions

1. Click here and create a user account at Copyright.gov.  

2. Choose "Register a Claim".

3. If you are registering a copyright in the sound recording, choose "Sound Recording".

By registering a copyright in the sound recording, you're making a claim that you own that recording of the song -- not the song iteself (i.e. the lyrics and music). If you own both the sound recording and the song, then you should register both. 

4. If you are registering a copyright in the song, choose "Work of the Performing Arts".

By registering your song under the "Performing Arts", you're making a claim that you own the song (i.e. the lyrics and music).  Registering the song is separate than the sound recording. If you own both the song and the sound recording, then you should register both.

5. Follow the online instructions carefully to complete your registration.

6. Submit your payment.

7. Submit a copy of your song and/or sound recording

The registration system offers you a choice - you can upload a WAV or MP3 of your song (other formats are accepted as well) or mail in a copy (which costs more and takes more time). You can also submit multiple files if needed.

8. Sit back and wait.

Once registered, you will receive your copyright certificate evidencing your claim within 2-6 months. Now that you have an account you can check the status of your work, as well as a listing of every copyright you registered online. 

What should I do next?

• How To Join a PRO and Get Double your Income

References

• The Indie Band Survival Guide
• The DIY Music Manual
• US Copyright Office
• Electronic Copyright Office
• eCopyright FAQ
• eCopyright Tutorial
• eCopyright Tips - submitting multiple files
• Copyright Royalty Board

Result

Get your songs officially copyrighted and protected with the US Copyright Office -- electronically.

Overview

You immediately have a copyright in a song as soon as you record it, but to get additional benefits under US statutory law, you can register your songs with the US Copyright office. Here are step by step instructions to file your songs and recordings electronically.

Related Categories: Copyright

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes

Estimated Result Time: 2-6 Months

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• A WAV or MP3 of your song (alternatively, a copy of it on CD)
• A payment method 

Directions

1. Click here and create a user account at Copyright.gov.  

2. Choose "Register a Claim".

3. If you are registering a copyright in the sound recording, choose "Sound Recording".

By registering a copyright in the sound recording, you're making a claim that you own that recording of the song -- not the song iteself (i.e. the lyrics and music). If you own both the sound recording and the song, then you should register both. 

4. If you are registering a copyright in the song, choose "Work of the Performing Arts".

By registering your song under the "Performing Arts", you're making a claim that you own the song (i.e. the lyrics and music).  Registering the song is separate than the sound recording. If you own both the song and the sound recording, then you should register both.

5. Follow the online instructions carefully to complete your registration.

6. Submit your payment.

7. Submit a copy of your song and/or sound recording

The registration system offers you a choice - you can upload a WAV or MP3 of your song (other formats are accepted as well) or mail in a copy (which costs more and takes more time). You can also submit multiple files if needed.

8. Sit back and wait.

Once registered, you will receive your copyright certificate evidencing your claim within 2-6 months. Now that you have an account you can check the status of your work, as well as a listing of every copyright you registered online. 

What should I do next?

• How To Join a PRO and Get Double your Income

References

• The Indie Band Survival Guide
• The DIY Music Manual
• US Copyright Office
• Electronic Copyright Office
• eCopyright FAQ
• eCopyright Tutorial
• eCopyright Tips - submitting multiple files
• Copyright Royalty Board

Result

Get your songs officially copyrighted and protected with the US Copyright Office electronically.

Overview

You immediately have a copyright in a song as soon as you record it, but to get additional benefits under US statutory law, you can register your songs with the US Copyright office. Here are step by step instructions to file your songs and recordings electronically.

Related Categories: Copyright

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes

Estimated Result Time: 2-6 Months

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• A WAV or MP3 of your song (alternatively, a copy of it on CD)
• A payment method 

Directions

1. Click here and create a user account at Copyright.gov.  

2. Choose "Register a Claim".

3. If you are registering a copyright in the sound recording, choose "Sound Recording".

By registering a copyright in the sound recording, you're making a claim that you own that recording of the song -- not the song iteself (i.e. the lyrics and music). If you own both the sound recording and the song, then you should register both. 

4. If you are registering a copyright in the song, choose "Work of the Performing Arts".

By registering your song under the "Performing Arts", you're making a claim that you own the song (i.e. the lyrics and music).  Registering the song is separate than the sound recording. If you own both the song and the sound recording, then you should register both.

5. Follow the online instructions carefully to complete your registration.

6. Submit your payment.

7. Submit a copy of your song and/or sound recording

The registration system offers you a choice - you can upload a WAV or MP3 of your song (other formats are accepted as well) or mail in a copy (which costs more and takes more time). You can also submit multiple files if needed.

8. Sit back and wait.

Once registered, you will receive your copyright certificate evidencing your claim within 2-6 months. Now that you have an account you can check the status of your work, as well as a listing of every copyright you registered online. 

What should I do next?

• How To Join a PRO and Get Double your Income

References

• The Indie Band Survival Guide
• The DIY Music Manual
• US Copyright Office
• Electronic Copyright Office
• eCopyright FAQ
• eCopyright Tutorial
• eCopyright Tips - submitting multiple files
• Copyright Royalty Board

Result

Get your songs officially copyrighted and protected with the US Copyright Office electronically.

Overview

You immediately have a copyright in a song as soon as you record it, but to get additional benefits under US statutory law, you can register your songs with the US Copyright office. Here are step by step instructions to file your songs and recordings electronically.

Related Categories: Copyright

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes

Estimated Result Time: 2-6 Months

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• A WAV or MP3 of your song (alternatively, a copy of it on CD)
• A payment method 

Directions

1. Click here and create a user account at Copyright.gov.  

2. Choose "Register a Claim".

3. If you are registering a copyright in the sound recording, choose "Sound Recording".

By registering a copyright in the sound recording, you're making a claim that you own that recording of the song -- not the song iteself (i.e. the lyrics and music). If you own both the sound recording and the song, then you should register both. 

4. If you are registering a copyright in the song, choose "Work of the Performing Arts".

By registering your song under the "Performing Arts", you're making a claim that you own the song (i.e. the lyrics and music).  Registering the song is separate than the sound recording. If you own both the song and the sound recording, then you should register both.

5. Follow the online instructions carefully to complete your registration.

6. Submit your payment.

7. Submit a copy of your song and/or sound recording

The registration system offers you a choice - you can upload a WAV or MP3 of your song (other formats are accepted as well) or mail in a copy (which costs more and takes more time). You can also submit multiple files if needed.

8. Sit back and wait.

Once registered, you will receive your copyright certificate evidencing your claim within 2-6 months. Now that you have an account you can check the status of your work, as well as a listing of every copyright you registered online. 

What should I do next?

• How To Join a PRO and Get Double your Income

References

• The Indie Band Survival Guide
• The DIY Music Manual
• US Copyright Office
• Electronic Copyright Office
• eCopyright FAQ
• eCopyright Tutorial
• eCopyright Tips - submitting multiple files
• Copyright Royalty Board

Result

Get your songs officially copyrighted and protected with the US Copyright Office electronically.

Overview

You immediately have a copyright in a song as soon as you record it, but to get additional benefits under US statutory law, you can register your songs with the US Copyright office. Here are step by step instructions to file your songs and recordings electronically.

Related Categories: Copyright

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes

Estimated Result Time: 2-6 Months

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• A WAV or MP3 of your song (alternatively, a copy of it on CD)
• A payment method 

Directions

1. Click here and create a user account at Copyright.gov.  

2. Choose "Register a Claim".

3. If you are registering a copyright in the sound recording, choose "Sound Recording".

By registering a copyright in the sound recording, you're making a claim that you own that recording of the song -- not the song iteself (i.e. the lyrics and music). If you own both the sound recording and the song, then you should register both. 

4. If you are registering a copyright in the song, choose "Work of the Performing Arts".

By registering your song under the "Performing Arts", you're making a claim that you own the song (i.e. the lyrics and music).  Registering the song is separate than the sound recording. If you own both the song and the sound recording, then you should register both.

5. Follow the online instructions carefully to complete your registration.

6. Submit your payment.

7. Submit a copy of your song and/or sound recording

The registration system offers you a choice - you can upload a WAV or MP3 of your song (other formats are accepted as well) or mail in a copy (which costs more and takes more time). You can also submit multiple files if needed.

8. Sit back and wait.

Once registered, you will receive your copyright certificate evidencing your claim within 2-6 months. Now that you have an account you can check the status of your work, as well as a listing of every copyright you registered online. 

What should I do next?

• How To Join a PRO and Get Double your Income

References

• The Indie Band Survival Guide
• The DIY Music Manual
• US Copyright Office
• Electronic Copyright Office
• eCopyright FAQ
• eCopyright Tutorial
• eCopyright Tips - submitting multiple files
• Copyright Royalty Board

Result

Get your songs officially copyrighted and protected with the US Copyright Office electronically.

Overview

You immediately have a copyright in a song as soon as you record it, but to get additional benefits under US statutory law, you can register your songs with the US Copyright office. Here are step by step instructions to file your songs and recordings electronically.

Related Categories: Copyright

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes

Estimated Result Time: 2-6 Months

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• A WAV or MP3 of your song (alternatively, a copy of it on CD)
• A payment method 

Directions

1. Click here and create a user account at Copyright.gov.  

2. Choose "Register a Claim".

3. If you are registering a copyright in the sound recording, choose "Sound Recording".

By registering a copyright in the sound recording, you're making a claim that you own that recording of the song -- not the song iteself (i.e. the lyrics and music). If you own both the sound recording and the song, then you should register both. 

4. If you are registering a copyright in the song, choose "Work of the Performing Arts".

By registering your song under the "Performing Arts", you're making a claim that you own the song (i.e. the lyrics and music).  Registering the song is separate than the sound recording. If you own both the song and the sound recording, then you should register both.

5. Follow the online instructions carefully to complete your registration.

6. Submit your payment.

7. Submit a copy of your song and/or sound recording

The registration system offers you a choice - you can upload a WAV or MP3 of your song (other formats are accepted as well) or mail in a copy (which costs more and takes more time). You can also submit multiple files if needed.

8. Sit back and wait.

Once registered, you will receive your copyright certificate evidencing your claim within 2-6 months. Now that you have an account you can check the status of your work, as well as a listing of every copyright you registered online. 

What should I do next?

• How To Join a PRO and Get Double your Income

References

• The Indie Band Survival Guide
• The DIY Music Manual
• US Copyright Office
• Electronic Copyright Office
• eCopyright FAQ
• eCopyright Tutorial
• eCopyright Tips - submitting multiple files
• Copyright Royalty Board

Result

Get your songs officially copyrighted and protected with the US Copyright Office electronically.

Overview

You immediately have a copyright in a song as soon as you record it, but to get additional benefits under US statutory law, you can register your songs with the US Copyright office. Here are step by step instructions to file your songs and recordings electronically.

Related Categories: Copyright

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes

Estimated Result Time: 2-6 Months

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• A WAV or MP3 of your song
• A payment method 

Directions

1. Click here and create a user account at Copyright.gov.  

2. Choose "Register a Claim"

Click "Register a Claim". A "claim" is defined as your song or sound recording that you will be registering. 

3. If you are registering a copyright in the sound recording, choose "Sound Recording"

By registering a copyright in the sound recording, you're making a claim that you own that sound recording. This does not protect the song (i.e. the lyrics and music), but just that one instance of the song as it is recorded. If you own both the sound recording and the song, then you should register both. 

4. If you are registering a copyright in the song, choose "Work of the Performing Arts"

By registering a copyright in the song, you're making a claim that you own the song itself, separate from any specific sound recording (i.e. you own the lyrics and the music). This is the broadest protection you can have for a song since a sound recording copyright only protects that instance of the song as it appears in the sound recording.  

5. Follow the online instructions to complete your registration

The registration process is rather straightforward. 

6. Submit you payment.

Once your registration is complete, you'll need to pay. Follow the instructions to pay with credit card, etc. 

7. Submit a copy of your song or sound recording

The registration system offers you a choice - you can upload a WAV or MP3 of your song (other formats are accepted as well) or mail in a copy (which costs more and takes more time). You can also submit multiple files if needed.

8. Sit back and wait.

Once registered, you will receive your copyright certificate evidencing your claim within 2-6 months. Now that you have an account you can check the status of your work, as well as a listing of every copyright you registered online. 

What should I do next?

• How To Join a PRO and Get Double your Income

References

• US Copyright Office
• Electronic Copyright Office
• eCopyright FAQ
• eCopyright Tutorial
• eCopyright Tips - submitting multiple files
• Copyright Royalty Board

Result

Get your songs officially copyrighted and protected with the US Copyright Office electronically.

Overview

You immediately have a copyright in a song as soon as you record it, but to get additional benefits under US statutory law, you can register your songs with the US Copyright office. Here are step by step instructions to file your songs and recordings electronically.

Related Categories: Copyright

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes

Estimated Result Time: 2-6 Months

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• A WAV or MP3 of your song
• A payment method 

Directions

1. Create a user account at Copyright.gov  

2. Choose "Register a Claim"

Click "Register a Claim". A "claim" is defined as your song or sound recording that you will be registering. 

3. If you are registering a copyright in the sound recording, choose "Sound Recording"

By registering a copyright in the sound recording, you're making a claim that you own that sound recording. This does not protect the song (i.e. the lyrics and music), but just that one instance of the song as it is recorded. If you own both the sound recording and the song, then you should register both. 

4. If you are registering a copyright in the song, choose "Work of the Performing Arts"

By registering a copyright in the song, you're making a claim that you own the song itself, separate from any specific sound recording (i.e. you own the lyrics and the music). This is the broadest protection you can have for a song since a sound recording copyright only protects that instance of the song as it appears in the sound recording.  

5. Follow the online instructions to complete your registration

The registration process is rather straightforward. 

6. Submit you payment.

Once your registration is complete, you'll need to pay. Follow the instructions to pay with credit card, etc. 

7. Submit a copy of your song or sound recording

The registration system offers you a choice - you can upload a WAV or MP3 of your song (other formats are accepted as well) or mail in a copy (which costs more and takes more time). You can also submit multiple files if needed.

8. Sit back and wait.

Once registered, you will receive your copyright certificate evidencing your claim within 2-6 months. Now that you have an account you can check the status of your work, as well as a listing of every copyright you registered online. 

What should I do next?

• How To Join a PRO and Get Double your Income

References

• US Copyright Office
• Electronic Copyright Office
• eCopyright FAQ
• eCopyright Tutorial
• eCopyright Tips - submitting multiple files
• Copyright Royalty Board

Result

Get your songs officially copyrighted and protected with the US Copyright Office electronically.

Overview

You immediately have a copyright in a song as soon as you record it, but to get additional benefits under US statutory law, you can register your songs with the US Copyright office. Here are step by step instructions to file your songs and recordings electronically.

Related Categories: Copyright

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes

Estimated Result Time: 2-6 Months

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• A WAV or MP3 of your song
• A payment method 

Directions

1. Create a user account at Copyright.gov 

Creating a user account let's you copyright your songs and recordings electronically. 

2. Choose "Register a Claim"

Click "Register a Claim". A "claim" is defined as your song or sound recording that you will be registering. 

3. If you are registering a copyright in the sound recording, choose "Sound Recording"

By registering a copyright in the sound recording, you're making a claim that you own that sound recording. This does not protect the song (i.e. the lyrics and music), but just that one instance of the song as it is recorded. If you own both the sound recording and the song, then you should register both. 

4. If you are registering a copyright in the song, choose "Work of the Performing Arts"

By registering a copyright in the song, you're making a claim that you own the song itself, separate from any specific sound recording (i.e. you own the lyrics and the music). This is the broadest protection you can have for a song since a sound recording copyright only protects that instance of the song as it appears in the sound recording.  

5. Follow the online instructions to complete your registration

The registration process is rather straightforward. 

6. Submit you payment.

Once your registration is complete, you'll need to pay. Follow the instructions to pay with credit card, etc. 

7. Submit a copy of your song or sound recording

The registration system offers you a choice - you can upload a WAV or MP3 of your song (other formats are accepted as well) or mail in a copy (which costs more and takes more time). You can also submit multiple files if needed.

8. Sit back and wait.

Once registered, you will receive your copyright certificate evidencing your claim within 2-6 months. Now that you have an account you can check the status of your work, as well as a listing of every copyright you registered online. 

What should I do next?

• How To Join a PRO and Get Double your Income

References

• US Copyright Office
• Electronic Copyright Office
• eCopyright FAQ
• eCopyright Tutorial
• eCopyright Tips - submitting multiple files
• Copyright Royalty Board

Result

Get your songs officially copyrighted and protected with the US Copyright Office using the non-electronic forms

Overview

You immediately have a copyright in a song as soon as you record it, but to get additional benefits under US statutory law, you can register your songs with the US Copyright office. Here are step by step instructions to file your songs and recordings electronically.

Related Categories: Copyright

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes

Estimated Result Time: 2-6 Months

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• A WAV or MP3 of your song
• A payment method 

Directions

1. Create a user account at Copyright.gov 

Creating a user account let's you copyright your songs and recordings electronically. 

2. Choose "Register a Claim"

Click "Register a Claim". A "claim" is defined as your song or sound recording that you will be registering. 

3. If you are registering a copyright in the sound recording, choose "Sound Recording"

By registering a copyright in the sound recording, you're making a claim that you own that sound recording. This does not protect the song (i.e. the lyrics and music), but just that one instance of the song as it is recorded. If you own both the sound recording and the song, then you should register both. 

4. If you are registering a copyright in the song, choose "Work of the Performing Arts"

By registering a copyright in the song, you're making a claim that you own the song itself, separate from any specific sound recording (i.e. you own the lyrics and the music). This is the broadest protection you can have for a song since a sound recording copyright only protects that instance of the song as it appears in the sound recording.  

5. Follow the online instructions to complete your registration

The registration process is rather straightforward. 

6. Submit you payment.

Once your registration is complete, you'll need to pay. Follow the instructions to pay with credit card, etc. 

7. Submit a copy of your song or sound recording

The registration system offers you a choice - you can upload a WAV or MP3 of your song (other formats are accepted as well) or mail in a copy (which costs more and takes more time). You can also submit multiple files if needed.

8. Sit back and wait.

Once registered, you will receive your copyright certificate evidencing your claim within 2-6 months. Now that you have an account you can check the status of your work, as well as a listing of every copyright you registered online. 

What should I do next?

• How To Join a PRO and Get Double your Income

References

• US Copyright Office
• Electronic Copyright Office
• eCopyright FAQ
• eCopyright Tutorial
• eCopyright Tips - submitting multiple files
• Copyright Royalty Board

Result

Get your songs officially copyrighted and protected with the US Copyright Office using the non-electronic forms

Overview

You immediately have a copyright in a song as soon as you record it, but to get additional benefits under US statutory law, you can register your songs with the US Copyright office. Here are step by step instructions to file your songs and recordings electronically.

Related Categories: Copyright

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes

Estimated Result Time: 2-6 Months

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• A WAV or MP3 of your song
• A payment method 

Directions

1. Create a user account at Copyright.gov 

Creating a user account let's you copyright your songs and recordings electronically. 

2. Choose "Register a Claim"

Click "Register a Claim". A "claim" is defined as your song or sound recording that you will be registering. 

3. If you are registering a copyright in the sound recording, choose "Sound Recording"

By registering a copyright in the sound recording, you're making a claim that you own that sound recording. This does not protect the song (i.e. the lyrics and music), but just that one instance of the song as it is recorded. If you own both the sound recording and the song, then you should register both. 

4. If you are registering a copyright in the song, choose "Work of the Performing Arts"

By registering a copyright in the song, you're making a claim that you own the song itself, separate from any specific sound recording (i.e. you own the lyrics and the music). This is the broadest protection you can have for a song since a sound recording copyright only protects that instance of the song as it appears in the sound recording.  

5. Follow the online instructions to complete your registration

The registration process is rather straightforward. 

6. Submit you payment.

Once your registration is complete, you'll need to pay. Follow the instructions to pay with credit card, etc. 

7. Submit a copy of your song or sound recording

The registration system offers you a choice - you can upload a WAV or MP3 of your song (other formats are accepted as well) or mail in a copy (which costs more and takes more time). You can also submit multiple files if needed.

8. Sit back and wait.

Once registered, you will receive your copyright certificate evidencing your claim within 2-6 months. Now that you have an account you can check the status of your work, as well as a listing of every copyright you registered online. 

What should I do next?

• How To Join a PRO and Get Double your Income

References

• US Copyright Office
• Electronic Copyright Office
• eCopyright FAQ
• eCopyright Tutorial
• eCopyright Tips - submitting multiple files
• Copyright Royalty Board

Result

Get your songs officially copyrighted and protected with the US Copyright Office using the non-electronic forms

Overview

You immediately have a copyright in a song as soon as you record it, but to get additional benefits under US statutory law, you can register your songs with the US Copyright office. Here are step by step instructions to file your songs and recordings electronically.

Related Categories: Copyright

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes

Estimated Result Time: 2-6 Months

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• A WAV or MP3 of your song
• A payment method 

Directions

1. Create a user account at Copyright.gov 

Creating a user account let's you copyright your songs and recordings electronically. 

2. Choose "Register a Claim"

Click "Register a Claim". A "claim" is defined as your song or sound recording that you will be registering. 

3. If you are registering a copyright in the sound recording, choose "Sound Recording"

By registering a copyright in the sound recording, you're making a claim that you own that sound recording. This does not protect the song (i.e. the lyrics and music), but just that one instance of the song as it is recorded. If you own both the sound recording and the song, then you should register both. 

4. If you are registering a copyright in the song, choose "Work of the Performing Arts"

By registering a copyright in the song, you're making a claim that you own the song itself, separate from any specific sound recording (i.e. you own the lyrics and the music). This is the broadest protection you can have for a song since a sound recording copyright only protects that instance of the song as it appears in the sound recording.  

5. Follow the online instructions to complete your registration

The registration process is rather straightforward. 

6. Submit you payment.

Once your registration is complete, you'll need to pay. Follow the instructions to pay with credit card, etc. 

7. Submit a copy of your song or sound recording

The registration system offers you a choice - you can upload a WAV or MP3 of your song (other formats are accepted as well) or mail in a copy (which costs more and takes more time).

8. Sit back and wait.

Once registered, you will receive your copyright certificate evidencing your claim within 2-6 months. Now that you have an account you can check the status of your work, as well as a listing of every copyright you registered online. 

What should I do next?

• How To Join a PRO and Get Double your Income

References

• US Copyright Office
• Electronic Copyright Office
• eCopyright FAQ
• eCopyright Tutorial
• Copyright Royalty Board

Result

Get your songs officially copyrighted and protected with the US Copyright Office using the non-electronic forms

Overview

You immediately own the copyright in a song as soon as you record it, but to get additional benefits under statutory law, you can register your songs with the US Copyright office. Here are step by step tips to filling out the paperwork non-electronically. If you want to do the forms online, go here.

Related Categories: Copyright

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes per form

Estimated Result Time: Two to Six Months

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• Two copies of CDs of your songs
• The appropriate forms
• Money for filing fees and postage

Directions

1. Make two copies of a CD of your songs if your song has already been published, or one copy if it has not.

You won't get them back, they are, after all, for registration. You can bundle and submit multiple songs on one CD, but only if all the songs on the CD are:

• either all published or unpublished; and
• if all are written by the same author(s) or at least has one author in common to all the songs you'll be registering

2. Fill out Form CO for all songs you are registering and check off Performing Arts Work

This will copyright the songs with the copyright office and is equivalent to what used to be called Form PA. Take care to fill out the entire form.

3. Fill out Form CO for all songs you are registering and check off Sound recording

This will copyright the recordings with the copyright office and is equivalent to what used to be called Form SR. Take care to fill out the entire form.

4. Mail the forms, materials, and money to the Copyright Office

Send all the necessary materials (checking one more time to make sure everything is filled out correctly) plus the registration fee to the Copyright Office. We recommend sending it via registered mail with return receipt so you can confirm they received your package.

5. Sit back and wait

As long as you filled everything out correctly, submitted the requisite number of CDs, and your check doesn't bounce, you should expect a copy of the form you filled out stamped and returned to you via snail mail anywhere between two to six months.

6. Document and verify

Within 2-6 months, you'll receive a stamped copy of the SR or PA form you submitted. Put it wherever you put your other important documents. After all, this is evidence of your intellectual property.

7. Fill out CA form if you submitted a collection

For collections, you'll need to fill out "Form CA." which allows to write out the list of songs and songwriters you made in step 1 and 2. As with the other forms you submitted, you'll need to mail the form, wait a few months, and verify everything's correct once this form's been filed and returned to you.

What should I do next?

• How To Join a PRO and Get Double the Income

References

• US Copyright Office
• Electronic Copyright Office
• Copyright Forms
• Copyright Royalty Board

Result

Get your songs officially copyrighted and protected with the US Copyright Office using the non-electronic forms

Overview

You immediately own the copyright in a song as soon as you record it, or write the notes in manuscript. But to get extra copyright protection, you can register your songs with the US Copyright office. Here are step by step tips to filling out the paperwork non-electronically. If you want to do the forms online, go here.

Related Categories: Copyright

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes per form

Estimated Result Time: Two to Six Months

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• Two copies of CDs of your songs
• The appropriate forms
• Money for filing fees and postage

Directions

1. Make two copies of a CD of your songs if your song has already been published, or one copy if it has not.

You won't get them back, they are, after all, for registration. You can bundle and submit multiple songs on one CD, but only if all the songs on the CD are:

• either all published or unpublished; and
• if all are written by the same author(s) or at least has one author in common to all the songs you'll be registering

2. Fill out Form CO for all songs you are registering and check off Performing Arts Work

This will copyright the songs with the copyright office and is equivalent to what used to be called Form PA. Take care to fill out the entire form.

3. Fill out Form CO for all songs you are registering and check off Sound recording

This will copyright the recordings with the copyright office and is equivalent to what used to be called Form SR. Take care to fill out the entire form.

4. Mail the forms, materials, and money to the Copyright Office

Send all the necessary materials (checking one more time to make sure everything is filled out correctly) plus the registration fee to the Copyright Office. We recommend sending it via registered mail with return receipt so you can confirm they received your package.

5. Sit back and wait

As long as you filled everything out correctly, submitted the requisite number of CDs, and your check doesn't bounce, you should expect a copy of the form you filled out stamped and returned to you via snail mail anywhere between two to six months.

6. Document and verify

Within 2-6 months, you'll receive a stamped copy of the SR or PA form you submitted. Put it wherever you put your other important documents. After all, this is evidence of your intellectual property.

7. Fill out CA form if you submitted a collection

For collections, you'll need to fill out "Form CA." which allows to write out the list of songs and songwriters you made in step 1 and 2. As with the other forms you submitted, you'll need to mail the form, wait a few months, and verify everything's correct once this form's been filed and returned to you.

What should I do next?

• How To Join a PRO and Get Double the Income

References

• US Copyright Office
• Electronic Copyright Office
• Copyright Forms
• Copyright Royalty Board

Result

Get your songs officially copyrighted and protected with the US Copyright Office using the non-electronic forms

Overview

You immediately own the copyright in a song as soon as you record it, or write the notes in manuscript. But to get extra copyright protection, you can register your songs with the US Copyright office. Here are step by step tips to filling out the paperwork non-electronically. If you want to do the forms online, go here.

Related Categories: Copyright

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes per form

Estimated Result Time: Two to Six Months

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• Two copies of CDs of your songs
• The appropriate forms
• Money for filing fees and postage

Directions

1. Make two copies of a CD of your songs if your song has already been published, or one copy if it has not.

You won't get them back, they are, after all, for registration. You can bundle and submit multiple songs on one CD, but only if all the songs on the CD are:

• either all published or unpublished; and
• if all are written by the same author(s) or at least has one author in common to all the songs you'll be registering

2. Fill out Form CO for all songs you are registering and check off Performing Arts Work

This will copyright the songs with the copyright office and is equivalent to what used to be called Form PA. Take care to fill out the entire form.

3. Fill out Form CO for all songs you are registering and check off Sound recording

This will copyright the recordings with the copyright office and is equivalent to what used to be called Form SR. Take care to fill out the entire form.

4. Mail the forms, materials, and money to the Copyright Office

Send all the necessary materials (checking one more time to make sure everything is filled out correctly) plus the registration fee to the Copyright Office. We recommend sending it via registered mail with return receipt so you can confirm they received your package.

5. Sit back and wait

As long as you filled everything out correctly, submitted the requisite number of CDs, and your check doesn't bounce, you should expect a copy of the form you filled out stamped and returned to you via snail mail anywhere between two to six months.

6. Document and verify

Within 2-6 months, you'll receive a stamped copy of the SR or PA form you submitted. Put it wherever you put your other important documents. After all, this is evidence of your intellectual property.

7. Fill out CA form if you submitted a collection

For collections, you'll need to fill out "Form CA." which allows to write out the list of songs and songwriters you made in step 1 and 2. As with the other forms you submitted, you'll need to mail the form, wait a few months, and verify everything's correct once this form's been filed and returned to you.

What should I do next?

• How To Join a PRO and Get Double the Income

References

• US Copyright Office
• Electronic Copyright Office
• Copyright Forms
• Copyright Royalty Board

Result

Get your songs officially copyrighted and protected with the US Copyright Office using the non-electronic forms

Overview

You immediately own the copyright in a song as soon as you record it, or write the notes in manuscript. But to get extra copyright protection, you can register your songs with the US Copyright office. Here are step by step tips to filling out the paperwork non-electronically. If you want to do the forms online, go here.

Related Categories: Copyright

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes per form

Estimated Result Time: Two to Six Months

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• Two copies of CDs of your songs
• The appropriate forms
• Money for filing fees and postage

Directions

1. Make two copies of a CD of your songs if your song has already been published, or one copy if it has not.

You won't get them back, they are, after all, for registration. You can bundle and submit multiple songs on one CD, but only if all the songs on the CD are:

• either all published or unpublished; and
• if all are written by the same author(s) or at least has one author in common to all the songs you'll be registering

2. Fill out Form CO for all songs you are registering and check off Performing Arts Work

This will copyright the songs with the copyright office and is equivalent to what used to be called Form PA. Take care to fill out the entire form.

3. Fill out Form CO for all songs you are registering and check off Sound recording

This will copyright the recordings with the copyright office and is equivalent to what used to be called Form SR. Take care to fill out the entire form.

4. Mail the forms, materials, and money to the Copyright Office

Send all the necessary materials (checking one more time to make sure everything is filled out correctly) plus the registration fee to the Copyright Office. We recommend sending it via registered mail with return receipt so you can confirm they received your package.

5. Sit back and wait

As long as you filled everything out correctly, submitted the requisite number of CDs, and your check doesn't bounce, you should expect a copy of the form you filled out stamped and returned to you via snail mail anywhere between two to six months.

6. Document and verify

Within 2-6 months, you'll receive a stamped copy of the SR or PA form you submitted. Put it wherever you put your other important documents. After all, this is evidence of your intellectual property.

7. Fill out CA form if you submitted a collection

For collections, you'll need to fill out "Form CA." which allows to write out the list of songs and songwriters you made in step 1 and 2. As with the other forms you submitted, you'll need to mail the form, wait a few months, and verify everything's correct once this form's been filed and returned to you.

What should I do next?

• How To Join a PRO and Get Double the Income

References

• US Copyright Office
• Electronic Copyright Office
• Copyright Forms
• Copyright Royalty Board

Result

Have your songs officially copyrighted and protected with the US Copyright Office.

Overview

In order to have full copyright protection that stands in court, you must officially register your songs with the US Copyright office. This requires filling out some forms, sending in a CD, and paying the fees. Here are step by step tips to filling out the paperwork non-electronically. If you want to do the forms online, go here.

Related Categories: Copyright

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes per form

Estimated Result Time: A few weeks

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• A CD of your songs
• The appropriate forms
• Money for filing fees

Directions

1. Make a CD of your songs

To register non-electronically, you'll need to compile your songs onto disc or submit your album. For any songs or sound recordings that you made public and published, you'll need to submit two copies. Unpublished songs and sound recordings you want to protect before you publish it only need one copy. The Copyright Office needs to know whether a song has been published since it affects how they file your material. Of course, if you later publish a work you registered originally as unpublished, you're to update them by filling out the same form, referring back to the previous registration, and paying another fee. As a result, we usually wait until we've published the music.

In general, they want one song submitted per filing. Obviously, this can get rather expensive. You can save money if you bundle and submit multiple songs on one CD, but only if all the songs on the CD are:

• either all published or unpublished; and
• if all are written by the same author(s) or at least has one author in common to all the songs you'll be registering.

You cannot mix and match published and unpublished songs or songs with different authors because they have no way of tracking this within their system. Bundling multiple songs in one is known as a submitting a "collection."

Most importantly, if you decide to make a collection, make sure you write down and save a list of what songs you put on that collection, as you will need this for Step 6. The Copyright office does not note collections, so you need to be in charge of that information.

2. Fill out the appropriate form (PA and/or SR)

As we discussed, in any recording of a song, there's two copyrights: one for the song and one for the sound recording. "Form SR" is for registering the sound recording while "Form PA" is for the song. Each filing incurs a fee.

It's possible you may register more song copyrights than sound recording copyrights since you may want to protect song demos and ideas. Most sound recording owners wait to register only those sound recordings where the music and lyrics are completely finalized, the song's been fully recorded, and it's ready to be or is published.

As the author of the work, you'll need to fill out the forms in your name. Don't use your band's name. After all, to the government, you're an individual with certain inalienable rights. Your band isn't unless a band agreement is in place and you've gone through the legal process of registering it as a legal entity with the state or province. If that's what you did, read the band agreement or return to the attorney or accountant that assisted you in doing this and ask them what entity (if any) should copyright the songs and sound recordings you make. 

Instructions are included on the forms to assist you in filling them out. You will need to fill everything out correctly, otherwise the Copyright Office will send it back to you asking for more information. In our experience, their response time can be months before they even get to your paperwork. A mistake only takes longer to get registered.

3. Mail the forms, materials, and money to the Copyright Office

Send all the necessary materials (checking one more time to make sure everything is filled out correctly) plus the registration fee to the Copyright Office. We recommend sending it via registered mail with return receipt so you can confirm they received your package.

4. Sit back and wait

As long as you filled everything out correctly, submitted the requisite number of CDs, and your check doesn't bounce, you should expect a copy of the form you filled out stamped and returned to you via snail mail anywhere between two to six months. Do not expect your CDs back since they remain on file.

5. Document and verify

Once registered, you'll receive a stamped copy of the SR or PA form you submitted. You will not receive your CDs back since they remain on file. Save the returned PA or SR Form as proof of when you registered the copyright. Put it wherever you put your other important documents. After all, this is evidence of your intellectual property. At this time, if you're so inclined, you can head to the Copyright Records Page on their website and look yourself up on their system, secure in the knowledge that you not only have enhanced statutory rights but also have helped support the Copyright Office and its employees.

6. Fill out CA form if you submitted a collection

In order to list out all the songs and authors you bundled in the collection you submitted, you'll need to fill out "Form CA." Form CA allows you in Part C "Amplification" to write out the list of songs and songwriters you made in step 1. By doing so and filing this form, the Copyright Office will be able to list all the song titles and know what's on the collection you submitted. As with steps 3 to 5 above, you'll need to mail the form, wait a few months, and verify everything's correct once this form's been filed and returned to you.

What should I do next?

• How To Join a PRO and Get Double the Income

References

• US Copyright Office
• Electronic Copyright Office
• Copyright Forms
• Copyright Royalty Board

Result

Have your songs officially copyrighted and protected with the US Copyright Office.

Overview

In order to have full copyright protection that stands in court, you must officially register your songs with the US Copyright office. This requires filling out some forms, sending in a CD, and paying the fees. Here are step by step tips to filling out the paperwork non-electronically. If you want to do the forms online, go here.

Related Categories: Copyright

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes per form

Estimated Result Time: A few weeks

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• A CD of your songs
• The appropriate forms
• Money for filing fees

Directions

1. Make a CD of your songs

To register non-electronically, you'll need to compile your songs onto disc or submit your album. For any songs or sound recordings that you made public and published, you'll need to submit two copies. Unpublished songs and sound recordings you want to protect before you publish it only need one copy. The Copyright Office needs to know whether a song has been published since it affects how they file your material. Of course, if you later publish a work you registered originally as unpublished, you're to update them by filling out the same form, referring back to the previous registration, and paying another fee. As a result, we usually wait until we've published the music.

In general, they want one song submitted per filing. Obviously, this can get rather expensive. You can save money if you bundle and submit multiple songs on one CD, but only if all the songs on the CD are:

• either all published or unpublished; and
• if all are written by the same author(s) or at least has one author in common to all the songs you'll be registering.

You cannot mix and match published and unpublished songs or songs with different authors because they have no way of tracking this within their system. Bundling multiple songs in one is known as a submitting a "collection."

Most importantly, if you decide to make a collection, make sure you write down and save a list of what songs you put on that collection, as you will need this for Step 6. The Copyright office does not note collections, so you need to be in charge of that information.

2. Fill out the appropriate form (PA and/or SR)

As we discussed, in any recording of a song, there's two copyrights: one for the song and one for the sound recording. "Form SR" is for registering the sound recording while "Form PA" is for the song. Each filing incurs a fee.

It's possible you may register more song copyrights than sound recording copyrights since you may want to protect song demos and ideas. Most sound recording owners wait to register only those sound recordings where the music and lyrics are completely finalized, the song's been fully recorded, and it's ready to be or is published.

As the author of the work, you'll need to fill out the forms in your name. Don't use your band's name. After all, to the government, you're an individual with certain inalienable rights. Your band isn't unless a band agreement is in place and you've gone through the legal process of registering it as a legal entity with the state or province. If that's what you did, read the band agreement or return to the attorney or accountant that assisted you in doing this and ask them what entity (if any) should copyright the songs and sound recordings you make. 

Instructions are included on the forms to assist you in filling them out. You will need to fill everything out correctly, otherwise the Copyright Office will send it back to you asking for more information. In our experience, their response time can be months before they even get to your paperwork. A mistake only takes longer to get registered.

3. Mail the forms, materials, and money to the Copyright Office

Send all the necessary materials (checking one more time to make sure everything is filled out correctly) plus the registration fee to the Copyright Office. We recommend sending it via registered mail with return receipt so you can confirm they received your package.

4. Sit back and wait

As long as you filled everything out correctly, submitted the requisite number of CDs, and your check doesn't bounce, you should expect a copy of the form you filled out stamped and returned to you via snail mail anywhere between two to six months. Do not expect your CDs back since they remain on file.

5. Document and verify

Once registered, you'll receive a stamped copy of the SR or PA form you submitted. You will not receive your CDs back since they remain on file. Save the returned PA or SR Form as proof of when you registered the copyright. Put it wherever you put your other important documents. After all, this is evidence of your intellectual property. At this time, if you're so inclined, you can head to the Copyright Records Page on their website and look yourself up on their system, secure in the knowledge that you not only have enhanced statutory rights but also have helped support the Copyright Office and its employees.

6. Fill out CA form if you submitted a collection

In order to list out all the songs and authors you bundled in the collection you submitted, you'll need to fill out "Form CA." Form CA allows you in Part C "Amplification" to write out the list of songs and songwriters you made in step 1. By doing so and filing this form, the Copyright Office will be able to list all the song titles and know what's on the collection you submitted. As with steps 3 to 5 above, you'll need to mail the form, wait a few months, and verify everything's correct once this form's been filed and returned to you.

What should I do next?

• How To Join a PRO and Get Double the Income

References

• US Copyright Office
• Electronic Copyright Office
• Copyright Forms
• Copyright
• Get Legal
• Copyright Royalty Board

Result

Have your songs officially copyrighted and protected with the US Copyright Office.

Overview

To obtain full copyright protection under the US government, you must file your songs with the copyright department. This requires filling out some forms, sending in a CD, and paying the fees. Here are step by step tips to filling out the paperwork non-electronically. If you want to do this all online, go here.

Related Categories: Copyright

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes per form

Estimated Result Time: A few weeks

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• A CD of your songs
• The appropriate forms
• Money for filing fees

Directions

1. Make a CD of your songs

To register non-electronically, you'll need to compile your songs onto disc or submit your album. For any songs or sound recordings that you made public and published, you'll need to submit two copies. Unpublished songs and sound recordings you want to protect before you publish it only need one copy. The Copyright Office needs to know whether a song has been published since it affects how they file your material. Of course, if you later publish a work you registered originally as unpublished, you're to update them by filling out the same form, referring back to the previous registration, and paying another fee. As a result, we usually wait until we've published the music.

In general, they want one song submitted per filing. Obviously, this can get rather expensive. You can save money if you bundle and submit multiple songs on one CD, but only if all the songs on the CD are:

• either all published or unpublished; and
• if all are written by the same author(s) or at least has one author in common to all the songs you'll be registering.

You cannot mix and match published and unpublished songs or songs with different authors because they have no way of tracking this within their system. Bundling multiple songs in one is known as a submitting a "collection."

Most importantly, if you decide to make a collection, make sure you write down and save a list of what songs you put on that collection, as you will need this for Step 6. The Copyright office does not note collections, so you need to be in charge of that information.

2. Fill out the appropriate form (PA and/or SR)

As we discussed, in any recording of a song, there's two copyrights: one for the song and one for the sound recording. "Form SR" is for registering the sound recording while "Form PA" is for the song. Each filing incurs a fee.

It's possible you may register more song copyrights than sound recording copyrights since you may want to protect song demos and ideas. Most sound recording owners wait to register only those sound recordings where the music and lyrics are completely finalized, the song's been fully recorded, and it's ready to be or is published.

As the author of the work, you'll need to fill out the forms in your name. Don't use your band's name. After all, to the government, you're an individual with certain inalienable rights. Your band isn't unless a band agreement is in place and you've gone through the legal process of registering it as a legal entity with the state or province. If that's what you did, read the band agreement or return to the attorney or accountant that assisted you in doing this and ask them what entity (if any) should copyright the songs and sound recordings you make. 

Instructions are included on the forms to assist you in filling them out. You will need to fill everything out correctly, otherwise the Copyright Office will send it back to you asking for more information. In our experience, their response time can be months before they even get to your paperwork. A mistake only takes longer to get registered.

3. Mail the forms, materials, and money to the Copyright Office

Send all the necessary materials (checking one more time to make sure everything is filled out correctly) plus the registration fee to the Copyright Office. We recommend sending it via registered mail with return receipt so you can confirm they received your package.

4. Sit back and wait

As long as you filled everything out correctly, submitted the requisite number of CDs, and your check doesn't bounce, you should expect a copy of the form you filled out stamped and returned to you via snail mail anywhere between two to six months. Do not expect your CDs back since they remain on file.

5. Document and verify

Once registered, you'll receive a stamped copy of the SR or PA form you submitted. You will not receive your CDs back since they remain on file. Save the returned PA or SR Form as proof of when you registered the copyright. Put it wherever you put your other important documents. After all, this is evidence of your intellectual property. At this time, if you're so inclined, you can head to the Copyright Records Page on their website and look yourself up on their system, secure in the knowledge that you not only have enhanced statutory rights but also have helped support the Copyright Office and its employees.

6. Fill out CA form if you submitted a collection

In order to list out all the songs and authors you bundled in the collection you submitted, you'll need to fill out "Form CA." Form CA allows you in Part C "Amplification" to write out the list of songs and songwriters you made in step 1. By doing so and filing this form, the Copyright Office will be able to list all the song titles and know what's on the collection you submitted. As with steps 3 to 5 above, you'll need to mail the form, wait a few months, and verify everything's correct once this form's been filed and returned to you.

What should I do next?

• How To Join a PRO and Get Double the Income

References

• US Copyright Office
• Electronic Copyright Office
• Copyright Forms
• Copyright
• Get Legal
• Copyright Royalty Board

Result

Have your songs officially copyrighted and protected with the US Copyright Office.

Overview

To obtain full copyright protection under the US government, you must file your songs with the copyright department. This requires filling out some forms, sending in a CD, and paying the fees. Here are step by step tips to filling out the paperwork non-electronically. If you want to do this all online, go here.

Related Categories: Copyright

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes per form

Estimated Result Time: A few weeks

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• A CD of your songs
• The appropriate forms
• Money for filing fees

Directions

1. Make a CD of your songs

To register non-electronically, you'll need to compile your songs onto disc or submit your album. For any songs or sound recordings that you made public and published, you'll need to submit two copies. Unpublished songs and sound recordings you want to protect before you publish it only need one copy. The Copyright Office needs to know whether a song has been published since it affects how they file your material. Of course, if you later publish a work you registered originally as unpublished, you're to update them by filling out the same form, referring back to the previous registration, and paying another fee. As a result, we usually wait until we've published the music.

In general, they want one song submitted per filing. Obviously, this can get rather expensive. You can save money if you bundle and submit multiple songs on one CD, but only if all the songs on the CD are:

• either all published or unpublished; and
• if all are written by the same author(s) or at least has one author in common to all the songs you'll be registering.

You cannot mix and match published and unpublished songs or songs with different authors because they have no way of tracking this within their system. Bundling multiple songs in one is known as a submitting a "collection."

Most importantly, if you decide to make a collection, make sure you write down and save a list of what songs you put on that collection, as you will need this for Step 6. The Copyright office does not note collections, so you need to be in charge of that information.

2. Fill out the appropriate form (PA and/or SR)

As we discussed, in any recording of a song, there's two copyrights: one for the song and one for the sound recording. "Form SR" is for registering the sound recording while "Form PA" is for the song. Each filing incurs a fee.

It's possible you may register more song copyrights than sound recording copyrights since you may want to protect song demos and ideas. Most sound recording owners wait to register only those sound recordings where the music and lyrics are completely finalized, the song's been fully recorded, and it's ready to be or is published.

As the author of the work, you'll need to fill out the forms in your name. Don't use your band's name. After all, to the government, you're an individual with certain inalienable rights. Your band isn't unless a band agreement is in place and you've gone through the legal process of registering it as a legal entity with the state or province. If that's what you did, read the band agreement or return to the attorney or accountant that assisted you in doing this and ask them what entity (if any) should copyright the songs and sound recordings you make. 

Instructions are included on the forms to assist you in filling them out. You will need to fill everything out correctly, otherwise the Copyright Office will send it back to you asking for more information. In our experience, their response time can be months before they even get to your paperwork. A mistake only takes longer to get registered.

3. Mail the forms, materials, and money to the Copyright Office

Send all the necessary materials (checking one more time to make sure everything is filled out correctly) plus the registration fee to the Copyright Office. We recommend sending it via registered mail with return receipt so you can confirm they received your package.

4. Sit back and wait

As long as you filled everything out correctly, submitted the requisite number of CDs, and your check doesn't bounce, you should expect a copy of the form you filled out stamped and returned to you via snail mail anywhere between two to six months. Do not expect your CDs back since they remain on file.

5. Document and verify

Once registered, you'll receive a stamped copy of the SR or PA form you submitted. You will not receive your CDs back since they remain on file. Save the returned PA or SR Form as proof of when you registered the copyright. Put it wherever you put your other important documents. After all, this is evidence of your intellectual property. At this time, if you're so inclined, you can head to the Copyright Records Page on their website and look yourself up on their system, secure in the knowledge that you not only have enhanced statutory rights but also have helped support the Copyright Office and its employees.

6. Fill out CA form if you submitted a collection

In order to list out all the songs and authors you bundled in the collection you submitted, you'll need to fill out "Form CA." Form CA allows you in Part C "Amplification" to write out the list of songs and songwriters you made in step 1. By doing so and filing this form, the Copyright Office will be able to list all the song titles and know what's on the collection you submitted. As with steps 3 to 5 above, you'll need to mail the form, wait a few months, and verify everything's correct once this form's been filed and returned to you.

What should I do next?

• How To Join a PRO and Get Double the Income

References

• US Copyright Office
• Electronic Copyright Office
• Copyright
• Get Legal
• Copyright Royalty Board
• Wikipedia Podcast Definition

Result

Have your songs officially copyrighted and protected with the US government.

Overview

To obtain full copyright protection under the US government, you must file your songs with the copyright department. This requires filling out some forms, sending in a CD, and paying the fees. Here are step by step tips to filling out the paperwork non-electronically. If you want to do this all online, go here.

Related Categories:

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes per form

Estimated Result Time: A few weeks

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• A CD of your songs
• The appropriate forms
• Money for filing fees

Directions

1. Make a CD of your songs

To register non-electronically, you'll need to compile your songs onto disc or submit your album. For any songs or sound recordings that you made public and published, you'll need to submit two copies. Unpublished songs and sound recordings you want to protect before you publish it only need one copy. The Copyright Office needs to know whether a song has been published since it affects how they file your material. Of course, if you later publish a work you registered originally as unpublished, you're to update them by filling out the same form, referring back to the previous registration, and paying another fee. As a result, we usually wait until we've published the music.

In general, they want one song submitted per filing. Obviously, this can get rather expensive. You can save money if you bundle and submit multiple songs on one CD, but only if all the songs on the CD are:

• either all published or unpublished; and
• if all are written by the same author(s) or at least has one author in common to all the songs you'll be registering.

You cannot mix and match published and unpublished songs or songs with different authors because they have no way of tracking this within their system. Bundling multiple songs in one is known as a submitting a "collection."

Most importantly, if you decide to make a collection, make sure you write down and save a list of what songs you put on that collection, as you will need this for Step 6. The Copyright office does not note collections, so you need to be in charge of that information.

2. Fill out the appropriate form (PA and/or SR)

As we discussed, in any recording of a song, there's two copyrights: one for the song and one for the sound recording. "Form SR" is for registering the sound recording while "Form PA" is for the song. Each filing incurs a fee.

It's possible you may register more song copyrights than sound recording copyrights since you may want to protect song demos and ideas. Most sound recording owners wait to register only those sound recordings where the music and lyrics are completely finalized, the song's been fully recorded, and it's ready to be or is published.

As the author of the work, you'll need to fill out the forms in your name. Don't use your band's name. After all, to the government, you're an individual with certain inalienable rights. Your band isn't unless a band agreement is in place and you've gone through the legal process of registering it as a legal entity with the state or province. If that's what you did, read the band agreement or return to the attorney or accountant that assisted you in doing this and ask them what entity (if any) should copyright the songs and sound recordings you make. 

Instructions are included on the forms to assist you in filling them out. You will need to fill everything out correctly, otherwise the Copyright Office will send it back to you asking for more information. In our experience, their response time can be months before they even get to your paperwork. A mistake only takes longer to get registered.

3. Mail the forms, materials, and money to the Copyright Office

Send all the necessary materials (checking one more time to make sure everything is filled out correctly) plus the registration fee to the Copyright Office. We recommend sending it via registered mail with return receipt so you can confirm they received your package.

4. Sit back and wait

As long as you filled everything out correctly, submitted the requisite number of CDs, and your check doesn't bounce, you should expect a copy of the form you filled out stamped and returned to you via snail mail anywhere between two to six months. Do not expect your CDs back since they remain on file.

5. Document and verify

Once registered, you'll receive a stamped copy of the SR or PA form you submitted. You will not receive your CDs back since they remain on file. Save the returned PA or SR Form as proof of when you registered the copyright. Put it wherever you put your other important documents. After all, this is evidence of your intellectual property. At this time, if you're so inclined, you can head to the Copyright Records Page on their website and look yourself up on their system, secure in the knowledge that you not only have enhanced statutory rights but also have helped support the Copyright Office and its employees.

6. Fill out CA form if you submitted a collection

In order to list out all the songs and authors you bundled in the collection you submitted, you'll need to fill out "Form CA." Form CA allows you in Part C "Amplification" to write out the list of songs and songwriters you made in step 1. By doing so and filing this form, the Copyright Office will be able to list all the song titles and know what's on the collection you submitted. As with steps 3 to 5 above, you'll need to mail the form, wait a few months, and verify everything's correct once this form's been filed and returned to you.

What should I do next?

• How To Join a PRO and Get Double the Income

References

• Electronic Copyright Office
• Copyright
• Get Legal
• Podsafe Music Network
• Podsafe Audio
• Wikipedia Podcast Definition
• Creative Commons' Music Sharing License
• Creative Common's Comic

Result

Have your songs officially copyrighted with the US government.

Overview

To obtain full copyright protection under the US government, you must file your songs with the copyright department.

Related Categories:

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes per form

Estimated Result Time: A few weeks

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• Songs that you want to change to an MP3 format in either WAV, or CD form
• An MP3 Encoder
• An MP3 player or tagger to set the ID3 tags

Directions

1. Make a CD of your songs

To register non-electronically, you'll need to compile your songs onto disc or submit your album. For any songs or sound recordings that you made public and published, you'll need to submit two copies. Unpublished songs and sound recordings you want to protect before you publish it only need one copy. The Copyright Office needs to know whether a song has been published since it affects how they file your material. Of course, if you later publish a work you registered originally as unpublished, you're to update them by filling out the same form, referring back to the previous registration, and paying another fee. As a result, we usually wait until we've published the music.

In general, they want one song submitted per filing. Obviously, this can get rather expensive. You can save money if you bundle and submit multiple songs on one CD, but only if all the songs on the CD are:

• either all published or unpublished; and
• if all are written by the same author(s) or at least has one author in common to all the songs you'll be registering.

You cannot mix and match published and unpublished songs or songs with different authors because they have no way of tracking this within their system. Bundling multiple songs in one is known as a submitting a "collection."

Most importantly, if you decide to make a collection, make sure you write down and save a list of what songs you put on that collection, as you will need this for Step 6. The Copyright office does not note collections, so you need to be in charge of that information.

2. Fill out the appropriate form (PA and/or SR)

3. Mail the forms, materials, and money to the Copyright Office

Do

4. Sit back and wait

Like

5. Document and verify

Sub

6. Fill out CA form if you submitted a collection

What should I do next?

• How To Track Where Your Music is Getting Played

References

• Podsafe Collectives
• Music Podcasts
• Creative Commons
• Podsafe Music Network
• Podsafe Audio
• Wikipedia Podcast Definition
• Creative Commons' Music Sharing License
• Creative Common's Comic

Result

Have your songs officially copyrighted with the US government.

Overview

To obtain full copyright protection under the US government, you must file your songs with the copyright department.

Related Categories:

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes per form

Estimated Result Time: A few weeks

Estimated Cost: Low

What You Need to Do This:

• Songs that you want to change to an MP3 format in either WAV, or CD form
• An MP3 Encoder
• An MP3 player or tagger to set the ID3 tags

Directions

1. Make a CD of your songs

...

2. Fill out the appropriate form (PA and/or SR)

3. Mail the forms, materials, and money to the Copyright Office

Do

4. Sit back and wait

Like

5. Document and verify

Sub

6. Fill out CA form if you submitted a collection

What should I do next?

• How To Track Where Your Music is Getting Played

References

• Podsafe Collectives
• Music Podcasts
• Creative Commons
• Podsafe Music Network
• Podsafe Audio
• Wikipedia Podcast Definition
• Creative Commons' Music Sharing License
• Creative Common's Comic

Result

Make MP3s out of your own music that will be playable by any fan, and have the right ID3 tags so that they will always find you

Overview

When you, as a musician are posing MP3s, don't just take the default settings. Change them to make it have the maximum playability by potential fans. Also ID3 tag all of your music so that they can find you -- no matter where they got the file in the first place.

Related Categories: MP3 Tools

Estimated Preparation time: 10 minutes per song

Estimated Result Time: Immediate

Estimated Cost: FREE

What You Need to Do This:

• Songs that you want to change to an MP3 format in either WAV, or CD form
• An MP3 Encoder
• An MP3 player or tagger to set the ID3 tags

Directions

1. Change your MP3 Encoder to these settings [PULL book Settings]

...

2. ...

3. Listen, Subscribe, & Verify the Podcast's Format & Style

Don't just take the written words about the format from the website as gospel. Download, listen to, subscribe, and verify that your song would fit the format of the show if you reached out to them. You may find that given their personality or style that one of your other songs is a perfect fit for the show - not just the one you want to promote.

4. Follow the Submission Instructions and/or Ask First

Like most musicians, many have dayjobs and do other things with their time. They're busy. They have feelings. They're human. Some have set up a submission process at their site, but many haven't. If they have a submission process and you are sure your song is a good fit for the show, follow their instructions.

If they don't have submission instructions, then you should email them. Your email should:

• introduce who you are, your band name and website;
• tell them you've listened to their show (here's a tip - prove it by naturally telling them what you heard and what you liked about their show);
• tell them you have a song that you think would be fitting for the show;
• tell them it's podsafe; and
• ask about how best to submit it to them

If you hear back, follow their instructions and be sure to give them the key details again - the name of the song, your band name, your website, and where listeners can find the song they're playing for sale or download.

5. Thank Them

Subscribe to their feed so you can hear the show and once it's been played - thank them! Do one better and promote their show on your website. Tell your fans where you've been played.

By following the steps above, you'll increase your odds of being played on podcasts. Better yet, the next time you have a song to get played and heard, you already have a connection with a podcaster who has played you before.

What should I do next?

• How To Track Where Your Music is Getting Played

References

• Podsafe Collectives
• Music Podcasts
• Creative Commons
• Podsafe Music Network
• Podsafe Audio
• Wikipedia Podcast Definition
• Creative Commons' Music Sharing License
• Creative Common's Comic