Do You Need to Copyright Your Music?

[axeshredder]

Heres some informative info a though may be useful to some of you...

Do You Need to Copyright Your Music?
A Copyright protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic works, and more. In the US, all music is automatically protected under US Copyright law as soon as it is “fixed in a tangible medium” by recording the song to a CD/tape, or writing it down on paper. For extra protection you can register your song’s copyright with the government.

It's a good idea to register your copyright for a number of reasons. If someone tries to lay claim on music you originally wrote, your copyright will be on the public record and you will have a certificate of registration. Registered works may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees in successful litigation.

Part of the basic nature of copyright prohibits anyone besides the copyright holder from publicly performing the work without permission, even if you have purchased the CD or sheet music. Generally, venues which host performances or play recordings of music for public consumption will have what are called blanket licenses with Performance Rights Organizations (PRO) like BMI. In return for the right to have the copyrighted work publicly performed, the establishment pays PROs on a yearly basis. That money is then distributed by each PRO to the songwriters whose works have been played or performed at the venue.

The Library of Congress makes it easy to register your copyright. Simply submit an application along with a small filing fee and a hard copy of the recording (a non-returnable compact disc, vinyl, open-reel tape, or cartridge). You can get all the necessary application forms and instructions online, but you'll still have to mail in the application with the recording. Once they receive it, you've got your copyright registered for extra protection!

Please note: For the most recent and complete copyright instructions and requirements, visit the Library of Congress website.

[Jeffery Bravo]

ya, i would say specially if your going to sell your stuff you should. And always give credit if tere is a co-writer. no here is an interesting thing. My "friend" Max re-did like 2 lines in a song, and i wrote all the music and the rest of the lyrics, should he get 50% of the copywrite?
Also when I have written a solo part out and made a key change, for his songs, he doesn't see that as an exception.
are lyrics the main thing for copywrite? I want opinions, cause i want to be fair, but i feel this dude, as talented as he is, has a huge sense of entitlement, that shouldn't be there.