Copyright Procedures for Music

Music has three copyrightable parts. The copyright for each of these parts can be obtained online or by mail.

Three Copyrightable Parts

The lyrics, musical composition and recorded performance of a piece of music can be copyrighted separately.

Registering Lyrics and Composition Online

The applicant or assignee navigates to the eCO section of the Copyright Office's website, fills in Form CO, submits the appropriate fee and uploads the lyrics or composition in a common digital format (such as .pdf, .rtf or .doc).

Registering Lyrics and Composition By Mail

The applicant fills out Form TX or replacement Form CO and submits the appropriate fee along with two copies of the work to:
Library of Congress
Copyright Office
101 Independence Avenue, SE
Washington, D.C. 20559-6000

Registering a Recorded Performance Online

The applicant or assignee navigates to the eCO section of the Copyright Office's website, fills in Form CO, submits the appropriate fee and uploads the lyrics or composition in a common digital format (such as .mp3 or .rm).

Registering a Recorded Performance By Mail

The applicant fills out Form SR or replacement Form CO and submits the appropriate fee along with two copies of the recording on CD, audio cassette or record to:
Library of Congress
Copyright Office
101 Independence Avenue, SE
Washington, D.C. 20559-6000

References

• U.S. Copyright Office

Who Can HelpSponsored

• Copyright Online Today at LegalZoom

[awkword]

on 9/21/2009 Excellent Article! Good advice. I will reccommend you