A Real-World Guide for Artists Who Want to Protect Their Work
WHILLY BERMUDEZ
Introduction: Let’s Clear the Confusion
Copyright isn’t mysterious.
It isn’t only for major labels.
And it isn’t something you should “get to later.”
If you write songs, you already own something valuable — whether it’s a demo recorded in your bedroom or a finished master released worldwide.
The problem?
Most artists either overthink copyright or ignore it completely.
This article breaks it down clearly, accurately, and without legal nonsense — so you know exactly what to do, when to do it, and why it matters.
1. What Copyright Actually Is (In Plain English)
Copyright is legal ownership of your creative work.
For music, that means you can control:
- Who uses it
- Who makes money from it
- Who reproduces it
- Who performs it publicly
- Who syncs it to film, TV, or ads
There are two separate copyrights in music:
- The Composition
- Lyrics
- Melody
- Song structure
(What you’d write on paper)
2. The Sound Recording (Master)
- The actual recorded version
(What people hear on Spotify)
You can own one, both, or share ownership — but they are legally different.
2. When Your Music Is Copyrighted (This Surprises People)
Here’s the truth most artists don’t realize:
Your music is copyrighted the moment you create it.
The second you:
- Write lyrics
- Record a demo
- Save a voice memo
You own the copyright.
So why register it?
Because ownership and enforcement are not the same thing.
3. Why Registration Still Matters
Registering your copyright gives you:
- Legal proof of ownership
- The right to sue for infringement
- Eligibility for statutory damages
- Strong protection if someone steals your work
Without registration:
- You still own the song
- But enforcing your rights becomes harder, slower, and weaker
Think of registration as insurance, not permission.
4. Where You Actually Copyright Your Music
In the United States, official copyright registration is done through the
United States Copyright Office
Their website is:
- copyright.gov
This is the only official place for federal copyright registration.
Anything else is a shortcut, not a replacement.
5. What You Can Register (And What You Can’t)
You can register:
- Finished songs
- Demos
- Instrumentals
- Lyrics alone
- Music alone
- Albums or collections
You cannot register:
- Ideas
- Song titles
- Chord progressions by themselves
- Vibes or concepts
Copyright protects expression, not ideas.
6. Composition vs. Sound Recording (This Is Critical)
You must choose what you’re registering:
Composition Registration
Use this when:
- You wrote lyrics and melody
- You want to protect the song itself
- You haven’t finalized a recording yet
This is common for:
- Songwriters
- Co-writers
- Publishing protection
Sound Recording Registration
Use this when:
- You recorded a final version
- You want to protect the master
- You’re releasing music publicly
Most independent artists should register both.
7. How to Register Step by Step (No Guesswork)
Step 1: Create an Account
- Go to copyright.gov
- Create a free account
Step 2: Choose the Correct Application
- “Work of the Performing Arts” → for compositions
- “Sound Recording” → for masters
Step 3: Fill in the Details
You’ll list:
- Song title(s)
- Writer(s)
- Owner(s)
- Year of creation
Be accurate. Don’t rush.
Step 4: Upload Your Work
- MP3, WAV, or PDF (lyrics)
- This is just for record-keeping, not public use
Step 5: Pay the Fee
- Usually around $45–$65 depending on the filing type
Step 6: Submit and Wait
- Processing can take weeks or months
- Your protection dates back to submission
8. Registering Multiple Songs (Smart Move)
You can register:
- Multiple songs at once
- An EP or album as a collection
- Unpublished works together
This saves money and time.
Just make sure:
- Same author(s)
- Same ownership
- Same publication status
9. What About Distributors Like DistroKid?
Important distinction:
Distribution is NOT copyright registration.
DistroKid:
- Sends music to streaming platforms
- Assigns ISRCs and UPCs
- Does NOT register copyrights for you
You still need to handle copyright separately.
10. What Copyright Does NOT Replace
Copyright is only one piece of protection.
You still need:
- A PRO (ASCAP, BMI, etc.) for performance royalties
- Mechanical royalties setup
- Clear splits with collaborators
- Written agreements when possible
Copyright protects ownership — not payments by itself.
11. Do You Need to Copyright Every Song?
Technically? No.
Practically? Yes, for important ones.
Register songs when:
- You plan to release them
- You plan to pitch them
- You plan to monetize them
- You’d care if they were stolen
If it matters to you, protect it.
