How to Copyright a Written Song for Free

Copyright your song's lyrics simply by writing them down.

According to the United States Copyright Office, the moment you create a written song it is protected under copyright. Creation occurs when you fix a song in a tangible form, such as by making a recording or writing down its lyrics. You can copyright a written song for free by making a physical representation of it and including a notice of copyright.

Things You'll Need

• Pen/Marker
• Recording apparatus

Instructions

1. Record the music, melody and/or lyrics of your song. If you have only written lyrics to your song, skip to Step 4.

2. Transfer your recording to a physical medium, such as to a CD or tape.

3. Write a copyright symbol or the word "Copyright," the song's year of creation and your name on CD or tape.

4. Write your song's lyrics in a notebook or on a computer and include a copyright symbol or the word "Copyright," the song's year of creation and your name.

5. Optionally, mail a copy of your song to yourself to postmark it and establish its date of creation.

References

• "101 Songwriting Wrongs and How to Right Them: How to Craft and Sell Your Songs"; Pete Luboff and Pat Luboff; 2007
• United States Copyright Office: Copyright Law of the United States of America

Resources

• The New York Times: The Music-Copyright Enforcers