How to Copyright using Form SR

Form SR is what I had to fill out to get a copyright for my sound recording. There are different forms used for different types of work. The two I'm familiar with are Form PA (Performing Arts) & Form SR (Sound Recording). I'm going to let you know when Form SR is required in this How to article.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Work ready for copyright
• Form SR
• Pen
• Legal information from everyone in your group.
• Phonorecords

1. When to Use This Form: Use Form SR for registration of published or unpublished sound recordings. It should be used when the copyright claim is limited to the sound recording itself, and it may also be used where the same copyright claimant is seeking simultaneous registration of the underlying musical, dramatic, or literary work embodied in the phonorecord.
   With one exception, "sound recordings" are works that result from the fixation of a series of musical, spoken, or other sounds. The exception is for the audio portions of audiovisual works, such as a motion picture soundtrack or an audio cassette accompanying a filmstrip. These are considered a part of the audiovisual work as a whole.
2. Deposit to Accompany Application: An application for copyright registration must be accompanied by a deposit consisting of phonorecords representing the entire work for which registration is to be made.
3. Unpublished Work: Deposit one complete phonorecord.
4. Published Work: Deposit two complete phonorecords of the best edition, together with "any printed or other visually perceptible material" published with the phonorecords.
5. Work First Published Outside the United States: Deposit one complete phonorecord of the first foreign edition.
6. Contribution to a Collective Work: Deposit one complete phonorecord of the best edition of the collective work.
7. The Copyright Notice: Before March 1, 1989, the use of copyright notice was mandatory on all published works, and any work first published before that date should have carried a notice. For works first published on and after March 1, 1989, use of the copyright notice is optional. For more information about copyright notice, see Circular 3, "Copyright Notices."
8. For Further Information: To speak to an information is available 24 hours a day. Order forms and other publications from Library of Congress, Copyright Office, 101 Independence Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20559-6000 or call the Forms and Publications Hotline at [phone]. Most circular (but not forms) are available via fax. Call [phone] from a touchtone phone. Access and download circulars, forms, and other information from the Copyright Office Website at www.loc.gov/copyright.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your time, fill it out correctly.
• Have all your deposit items ready
• Remember to get a copyright for your work ASAP, so that if your work get' s stolen, you'll be legally covered.