How Do You Copywrite Songs?
A song, or any intellectual property, is copy-protected the moment it is created. Copyrighting a song is not a requirement for copy protection. Copyrighting a song means registering it with the U.S. Copyright Office. Although it is not required, it provides proof of the day your song was copyrighted and reasonable assurance that you’re the creator. This registration is important if there is a legal battle over copyright infringement. Visit the U.S. Copyright Office online. You can register your song over the Internet and upload it for deposit in the Library of Congress. You can register by mail as well, but the filing fees are higher. Instead of requiring a different form for stories, screenplays, songs and music, the U.S. Copyright Office has initiated the use of Form CO. This form can only be used to register one song, not a group of songs. If you have more than one song, you will need to use Form SR. On the home page of the U.S. Copyright Office, click on “Electronic Copyright Offic
