Should I Register My Song?

Should I register my song? Is a common question all music creators might ask themselves. 

As a music creator, you’ve poured your heart and soul into your composition, and it’s only natural to want to protect it. Registering your song is one of the best ways to do that.

You may think that your composition is 100% yours, and there’s no need to register it in the U.S. copyright office, but there are some good reasons to consider doing so. Let’s explore why!

First, it’s important to know that almost every composition has two types of copyright. The first is intellectual property, which is the theoretical and structural aspect of the music. The second is the sound recording copyright, which according to the U.S. Copyright Office is “a sound recording must be fixed, meaning that the sounds must be captured in a medium from which they can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated“

If you’re unsure whether to register your song or not, here are some things to consider.

Intellectual Property:

• If you don’t register your intellectual property, don’t worry too much. Copyright law automatically gives you a copyright in your original song as soon as you get it in a fixed format, such as a music sheet or recording.
• If you do, registering your work can provide you with extra protection in case you ever need to sue for damages. For example, a registered work may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney’s fees in a successful litigation. If your song has been registered for five years or more, it will have “prima facie,” which means that it is legally sufficient to establish a fact or a case unless disproved.

While copyright law automatically gives you a copyright in your original song as soon as you get it in a fixed format, registering your work can provide you with extra protection in case you ever need to sue for damages. For example, if someone uses your song without your permission, registering your work will make it easier for you to file a lawsuit and seek compensation.

In addition to providing you with legal protection, registering your song can also help you establish ownership of your intellectual property. If you ever need to prove that you own a particular piece of music, having it registered will make that process much easier.

Sound Recordings:

• If you don’t register your sound recording, it is still protected by law as soon as it is created in a phono record. 
• If you do, registering your sound recording can provide you with the same legal benefits as registering your intellectual property, and it can also help you keep track of each participant in the recording for credit and royalty purposes.

When it comes to sound recordings, registering your work can provide you with many of the same benefits as registering your intellectual property. For example, it can help you establish ownership of your sound recording and make it easier to collect royalties. It can also help you keep track of each participant in the recording for credit and royalty purposes.

Where can you register your song?

So, where can you register your song? The United States Copyright Office, Copyright.gov, is the most direct and official way to register your song. It’s a fairly straightforward process, but if you find it difficult to navigate, you can use other registration services like easysong.com. These services can help you register your work quickly and easily, allowing you to focus on what you do best: creating music.

In conclusion, while it may not be necessary to register your song, doing so can provide you with a range of benefits. From legal protection to easier royalty collection, registering your work is a great way to ensure that your music is fully protected and that you’re getting the recognition and compensation you deserve. So, if you haven’t already done so, consider registering your song today!It’s a common question among music creators.