How to Copyright a Song

Steps

1. Get the proper forms. The form needed for a sound recording to copyright is the Form SR and possibly Form CON. The form for Performing Arts, such as what people listen to on the radio, from Cd's, and live, is the Form PA or Short Form PA, and possibly Form CON. These copyright forms can be requested at (202) 707-3000, requested through mail at US Copyright Office Library of Congress Washington D.C. 20559, or found on the Internet at external links #1 and #2.
2. Fill out the forms. Read the instructions carefully and fill it out exactly how explained.
3. Send it to
   • Library of Congress
   • Copyright Office
   • Independence Avenue, S.E.
   • Washington, D.C. 20559-6000
4. Include $45 and a non-returnable copy of the music.
5. If your submission was filled out right, you will get a certificate of registration in the next 4-5 months.

Video

Tips

• Copyright albums at a time rather than each song. It is a lot cheaper to pay $45 instead of $300 or more. The exception is if the publisher insists to copyright each song.
• The previous edit made by someone stated that only the order of the songs for a collection was copyright. THIS WAS INCORRECT! I have check with entertainment attorney and I worked for a major music publisher as manager.
• Send your work to the Copyright Office by certified mail, and request a return receipt. This costs about $5.00. When you receive the return receipt, you'll know they have it and the process has started.
• Remember, copyright is created and belongs to the creator of an original piece as soon as it is fixed in a tangible form. (more on Song Copyright).

Warnings

• Make sure that your music is totally original. The rap hit Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice copied the bass line from Queen and David Bowie's song Under Pressure, and Vanilla Ice was sued.
• The above advice assumes that you are a US citizen. In 1989, the US became a party to the Berne Convention, meaning that if you are from outside the US, you are not required to register with the US Copyright Office before you can make a claim in a US court (more on US Copyright rules).

Things You'll Need

• Any Tangible Version of the Music (i.e. Recordings, Sheet Music, etc.)
• $45
• PA, SR, or CON Forms

Sources and Citations

• Where to register copyright (includes non-US registration offices)
• US Copyright Office - Registering Sound Recordings
• US Copyright Office - Registering Performing Art
• Copyright Authority Website

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