How to Know When to Copyright a Song

Copyrighting is an important term that musicians and songwriters should get used to from the start. While you cannot copyright an idea, you can most definitely copyright a song. You want to copyright the composition and lyrics as soon as they are written. While a song has a copyright the very moment you write it, you need to make that copyright legal. By protecting your art, you are protecting yourself from others who may take liberties and "borrow" your art and heart.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Request a form from the national copyright office. You can request forms by mail or you can download them immediately online (see Resources below). Make sure to get the right form, as they have different forms for the many types of copyrights you can create.
2. Print out the form from the website or receive it in the mail. At this point, you want to go over it thoroughly. It is a great idea to get an entertainment lawyer to work you through the process, especially if you are planning on copyrighting many songs at once.
3. Pay the small fee and enclose payment with your song package. Make sure to fill out the form entirely and enclose all necessary parts of the song in the package.
4. Mail it Priority for fast processing. First Class also works. You should make sure everything is enclosed in the package, and that sufficient postage is placed. You don't want a preventable mistake to interfere with a speedy copyright.
5. Receive a certificate of copyright in the mail. Some do not feel secure in sharing their song before that is received. Realistically, I would say you are safe in sharing your song as early as a few days after mailing for your copyright.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you are finished with your song before you send it, although re-writes aren't mandatory.
• If you change your song significantly, you may want to get an entirely new copyright. Consult a lawyer regarding how many changes make that a necessity.
• Get all the facts before you copyright. Don't open your mouth about an idea if you cannot copyright it. Make sure you protect your original art to the fullest.
• This article is not meant as legal advice. Consult an entertainment lawyer with any questions regarding copyrighting your song!
• Copyright more than needed. It's best to err on the side of caution. The results of avoiding a copyright could be tragic.