How to Copyright Your Song

I frequently receive questions about copyrights. Here is a summary of my advice on the subject.

1) Fear is usually the catalyst that drives new songwriters toward copyrighting inquiries but don't worry too much about your songs being stolen. Legitimate publishers make their living signing and promoting songs, not stealing them. Some publishers and fellow writers will occasionally borrow or "steal" ideas if they are extremely unique and are underdeveloped but you can not legally copyright a song concept or even a title anyway, only complete songs, and a complete song copyright does not include protection for the concept or title. The only method available to ensure your best ideas aren't permanently borrowed is to develop them into the best possible songs they can be.

2) The newest copyright laws state that creations are copyrighted as soon as they are completed. Just affix the words "Copyright 2009 John Doe Songwriter" (uhhh...I'd highly advise you to substitute your own name for "John Doe Songwriter") to your tape or lyric sheet and it's a done deal. To protect that copyright; however, I'd recommend registering it with: Register of Copyrights, Library of Congress, Washington D.C. 20559 (there is no street number). Ask for "form PA". The cost is currently $45 per song or you can save tons of money by copyrighting several songs under one collective title (John Doe's First 12 Songs, or whatever).

3) If you write with a co-writer, copyright your song(s) and give the co-writer credit for their portion.

4) Faded memories are far more likely to be your nemesis than stolen songs. If you co-write, be sure to verify everything in writing as to who contributed what and how any royalties will be split. Make sure both parties sign the agreement and both parties receive a copy. Ten years down the road you may have co-written with hundreds of people. Even if you remember who did what, your co-writers may not be blessed with a photographic memory. Put it in writing.

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