How to Copyright Your Original Songs

Eliminate the paperwork and register your work online.

If you are a musician or a songwriter, it is important to learn how to copyright your original songs. Copyright registration is a legal transaction meant to notify the public that you own the rights to a particular work. By law, a creative work is automatically under copyright protection at the moment of creation. However, it is beneficial to register your copyright because of the protection it affords in a court of law if you sue someone for copyright infringement.

Things You'll Need

• 2 blank recordable compact discs (CDs)
• Short Form PA downloaded from US copyright website
• Large envelope and postage
• Deposit required for copyright

Instructions

1. Go to the United States Copyright Office Website.

2. Click on the "eCO" icon to access the online copyright registration tool. Log in or create an account if you are a new user.

3. Fill out the application by answering questions about yourself and the work or works you are registering.

4. Pay the $35 copyright registering fee upon checkout. You can pay by credit card, debit card or electronic check.

5. Upload the file(s) from your hard drive if you opted to upload a digital copy.

6. Generate and print a shipping slip if you opted to mail a copy of your work. Mail it to the address on the shipping slip.

Tips & Warnings

• The Copyright office prefers that you use the eCO system to register copyrights. However, if you prefer not to register online, go to the "Forms" section of the Website, fill out form CO online and mail it to Library of Congress, U.S. Copyright Office, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20559.

• If you need paper forms, request that the Copyright office mail them to you, as they are not available online. Keep in mind that mailing your registration request costs $65 as opposed to registering for $35 online.

• When you include a compact disc for copyright, make sure you make two copies for yourself. Do not send your only copy of recorded material.

References

• United States Copyright Office: eCO Tutorial
• United States Copyright Office: Copyright Basics; pp. 7-8
• United States Copyright Office: Form CO