How to Obtain Copyrights on Songs

In the United States, a song is legally copyrighted and defensible the moment you write in down or record it. You don't even have to write "Copyright" on it. You should, though. Write the copyright symbol--the letter "c" inside of a circle--followed by your name and the year. Registering your song with the U.S. Copyright Office and obtaining a copyright provides tangible proof of your ownership of the material. It also enables you to transfer the copyright to someone else. Unless transferred, a copyright on a song expires 70 years after the death of its owner.

Instructions

1. Write down your song or record it electronically. You'll need one of these to include with your application.

2. Contact the U.S. Copyright Office and request form CO.

3. Fill out form CO and mail to the U.S. Copyright Office. Include either a written or electronically recorded copy of your song (called a "deposit"), and your check or money order for the registration fee. As of July 1, 2006, the fee is $45.

Tips & Warnings

• To save money, you can register a "group" of songs all at once for a single registration fee. The U.S. Copyright Office accepts electronic registration of songs. See Resources below for a link to its website.

Resources

• U.S. Copyright Office