How do I copyright my own songs?

[David]

Can anyone help me...?

Thanks!

--
David.

[Chris]

In the UK they are technically copyrighted as soon as they are written.
Proving you wrote it first is the problem.

Check out the music union website for some details. (the first one that
came to mind).

http://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/faq/

Check out my site and the links (music) section. There are some band
register sites. On one of them has more copyright info.

In the mean time, just send yourself the recorded song (or the sheet
music \ lyrics etc) via Register post and never open the package (except
for in a court of law). It semi proves you had the material on the
date you posted with the Post office as a sort of witness.

Hope that helps.

Chris
http://www.hairthieves.com

[David]

Thanks alot mate!!

Chris <chris.r...@cableinet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:3BADC67C...@cableinet.co.uk...

[Thomas Guertin]

It is true that copyright is automatic in most countries. Of course, proving
it is another thing. First, be sure to keep all records of the song
including drafts as the song evolved, print-outs of internet postings 'cause
they bear a 'datestamp'. You can also do the 'poor man's copyright' thing by
mailing the song to yourself via registered mail service and not opening it
(unless song ownership becomes challenged). The best thing you can do, is
when lyric (and demo) is complete, writer(s) prepare and submit the
appropriate U.S. Copyright Office Form (with audio recording) and $30 U.S.
fee to Library of Congress to legally protect the song. Get the form here
http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/forms/. I'm in Canada, and I do this because
it isn't possible to do the equivalent in Canada (you can submit the
title -- which isn't copywriteable -- but not the lyric or CD/tape -- stupid
system). If multiple writers, only one has to sign the form on behalf of all
writers. You can copyright a compilation of multiple songs using one form
and for the one fee of $30. It's much cheaper to do this and maybe even
better because if the song becomes published, the publisher is going to have
to copyright the song under his name using a copy of the same form by
completing the section where the writer signs over copyright.

Hope this helps.

Tom

David <d.on...@blueyonder.co.uk> wrote in message
news:fhjr7.14817$cZ6.1...@news1.cableinet.net...

[Richard Wilcox]

Tom,

What you have written is absolutely correct save that the person enquiring
(David) is in the UK and I then have a couple of caveats to add to your
statement (unless the poster is pitching in the States, when US copyright could
be appropriate) :-.

1. Will an UK court recognise US copyright without a witness in person?

2. Claims for damages would not be affected whether registered in US (as
opposed to a US court action when damages are relevant to registration).

This copyright thingie should be referred to the relevant knowledgeable
authority in each person's country.

For the UK it is www.prs.co.uk (Performing Rights Society who have a page
detailing this). Chris R recommending the UK Musician's Union was also correct.

Other countries are linked through associates to BMI at www.bmi.com and would
recommend each person looks to see what is recommended in their own country.

Better idea than blanket opinions at RMMS.

BTW Tom - you are 100% correct to recommend the US Copyright Office for US
residents :-))

Richard

>It is true that copyright is automatic in most countries. Of course, proving
>it is another thing. First, be sure to keep all records of the song
>including drafts as the song evolved, print-outs of internet postings 'cause
>they bear a 'datestamp'. You can also do the 'poor man's copyright' thing by
>mailing the song to yourself via registered mail service and not opening it
>(unless song ownership becomes challenged). The best thing you can do, is
>when lyric (and demo) is complete, writer(s) prepare and submit the
>appropriate U.S. Copyright Office Form (with audio recording) and $30 U.S.
>fee to Library of Congress to legally protect the song. Get the form here
>http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/forms/. I'm in Canada, and I do this because
>it isn't possible to do the equivalent in Canada (you can submit the
>title -- which isn't copywriteable -- but not the lyric or CD/tape -- stupid
>system). If multiple writers, only one has to sign the form on behalf of all
>writers. You can copyright a compilation of multiple songs using one form
>and for the one fee of $30. It's much cheaper to do this and maybe even
>better because if the song becomes published, the publisher is going to have
>to copyright the song under his name using a copy of the same form by
>completing the section where the writer signs over copyright.
>
>Hope this helps.
>
>Tom

Songwriting & creative links
http://www.angelfire.com/music2/richhoncho/index.htm
A selection of RMMS people at
http://www.angelfire.com/music2/richhoncho/RMMS.htm
& 14 of my songs at
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/richhoncho.htm

[OSSONGS]

<In the mean time, just send yourself the recorded song (or the sheet
music \ lyrics etc) via Register post and never open the package (except
for in a court of law). >

Don't waste your stamp on that one.

Dolores