Re: copyright my music

On 04/16/99, Scott Juenger <masta18[_at_]yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> I have a group and we are just about ready to record our professional
> demo tape. I was just wondering how and where could I get our lyrics,
> music, and group name all copyrighted so when we send our demo to
> numerous record labels, they can't steal our songs etc.
>
> If you could just give me a list, or the company with the most
> trusted and professional copyright services for musicians, I'd
> really appreciate it.

Copyrighting the lyrics and music is very simple, and one I would suggest doing on your own. Look at the Copyright Office's web site at http://www.loc.gov/copyright/. Read circular number 50 entitled Copyright Registration for Musical Compositions, and Circular number 56 and 56(a) entitled copyright registration for sound recordings. These circulars will help you decide whether to file form SR (for sound recordings) or form PA (for performing arts). Once you decide which one's more appropriate, you can download the forms and instructions from the same site. Copyright protection is not available for the band's name, although it is probably trademarkable. You can try to apply for a trademark on your own; the forms are available online at the PTO's website (http://www.uspto.gov/), however, this is a much more complex process, and I would recommend speaking to a lawyer first.

--Barbara Friedman
  <blfriedman[_at_]bryancavellp.com> Received on Mon Apr 19 1999 - 17:01:49 GMT