The Quick Step-by-Step
Guide to Protect
Your Music
Written By: A-1 Thee Assas'n
&
The Prolific Journalist Known Only As - Anonymous Writer X EchO
You've poured your heart and soul into your music. Now, it's time to make sure the world gets to hear it, and more importantly, that you get credit (and compensation) for your creation. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to protecting your music with copyright and P.R.O registration.
Step 1: Capture Your Work
This might seem obvious, but it's crucial to have a tangible record of your music. Write down your lyrics, record a demo, or use music notation software. The key is to have a timestamped copy that proves your creation date.
Step 2: Register Your Copyright
Copyright gives you legal ownership of your music. While copyright technically exists upon creation, registration with the copyright office strengthens your claim and makes enforcement easier. You can register your copyright online through the U.S. Copyright Office website.
Step 3: Consider Separate Registrations
A song has two copyrightable parts: the composition (music and lyrics) and the sound recording (the actual performance). You can register them together or separately. Consider registering them separately if you plan to license the music to others for recordings.
Step 4: Register with a P.R.O.
A “P.R.O.” is a Performance Rights Organization. A Performance Rights Organization (PRO) is an agency that ensures songwriters receive their fair share of royalties for the public performance of their songs. When your songs are played or performed in public venues, on the radio, television, or the internet, a PRO tracks and licenses the music, ensuring that you get paid. These organizations act as intermediaries between copyright holders (songwriters, composers, and music publishers) and businesses or venues that use copyrighted works publicly, such as shopping centers and dining establishments. Notable PROs include BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) and ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers). ASCAP alone represents over 960,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers in the US. 🎵💼
Registering with a performance rights organization is extremely important for not only your financial compensation's sake, but for the validity of your entertainment career as a whole.
Step 5: Be Proactive About Online Sharing
When sharing your music online, look for platforms that offer copyright protection features. Enable content ID systems that can help identify and manage unauthorized uploads.
Bonus Tip: Consider Professional Help
Copyright laws can be very complex. While registering your copyright yourself is an option, consulting a lawyer specializing in music law can provide valuable guidance, especially for intricate situations.
If you would like assistance registering your material, please see the BHM Pro Artist Services page or reach out to A-1 Thee Assas'n directly to discuss your situation at:
Remember… Protect Your Passion