Music Publishing

What is the difference between "music publishing" and publication that secures one's copyright in the music?

A band who writes their own songs is in a position where a DVD producer wants to use their songs on a new DVD. The band took steps to look into getting their songs published first so that they officially owned the rights to them, so that if the songs are used on the DVD they own rights in the music. The music publishing company that they went to gave them a contract that they said was standard in the sense that they (Music Publishing Co.) want to own 50% of the songs published.

Is a music publisher's request for 50% ownership to "publish" another's songs be considered "standard"? 50% ownership to publish a songs seems a bit high, yes? What's entailed in publishing music?

Any thoughts and links to educate me on this topic would be appreciated. Received on Thu Aug 28 2003 - 22:09:32 GMT