Copyright is basically a way of protecting your original creations from being copied or used without your permission. When it comes to music, there are two parts that can be protected: the words of the song (which we call lyrics) and the actual recorded version of the song.
The lyrics are protected by a type of copyright called a "musical work" or "literary work" copyright. This means that if you write a song and create the words (or lyrics) for it, you have the right to decide who can use those words in other songs or in public performances.
The actual recorded version of the song is protected by a type of copyright called a "sound recording" copyright. This means that if you create a specific recording of a song (including the singing, music, and production), you have the right to decide who can make copies of that recording, distribute it, or play it in public.
Sometimes, the same person or group owns both the copyright for the lyrics and the copyright for the sound recording. Other times, different people or groups may own different parts of the copyright. For example, the person who wrote the lyrics might own the copyright for the lyrics, while the person who recorded the song might own the copyright for the sound recording.
Copyright Registration for Lyrics
Ensure that your lyrics are original and not copied from anyone else's work. Copyright protection can only be granted to original works, so make sure that your lyrics are completely your own creation.
Choose the appropriate copyright registration form for your lyrics. In the United States, this is Form PA (Performing Arts). You can find this form on the official website of the U.S. Copyright Office.
Fill out the form completely and accurately. The form will ask for information such as your name (or the name of your band/group), the title of the work, the date of creation, and the type of work (in this case, lyrics).
Pay the necessary registration fee. In the United States, the fee for electronic filing of Form PA is $65 as of 2023. You can pay this fee online using a credit card or electronic check.
Submit a copy of the lyrics you want to register. You can submit a digital copy of the lyrics in a word processing format, such as Microsoft Word or PDF. Alternatively, you can submit a hard copy of the lyrics.
Wait for confirmation from the Copyright Office that your copyright registration has been approved. This process can take several weeks to several months depending on the workload of the Copyright Office.
Copyright Registration for a Recorded Song
Ensure that your recorded song is original and not copied from anyone else's work. Copyright protection can only be granted to original works, so make sure that your song is completely your own creation.
Choose the appropriate copyright registration form for your recorded song. In the United States, this is Form SR (Sound Recordings). You can find this form on the official website of the U.S. Copyright Office.
Fill out the form completely and accurately. The form will ask for information such as your name (or the name of your band/group), the title of the work, the date of creation, and the type of work (in this case, a sound recording).
Pay the necessary registration fee. In the United States, the fee for electronic filing of Form SR is $65 as of 2023. You can pay this fee online using a credit card or electronic check.
Submit a copy of the recorded song you want to register. You can submit a digital copy of the song in an MP3 or WAV format. Alternatively, you can submit a physical copy of the song, such as a CD or vinyl record.
Wait for confirmation from the Copyright Office that your copyright registration has been approved. This process can take several weeks to several months depending on the workload of the Copyright Office.
It's important to note that copyright registration is not required for copyright protection, but it can provide important legal benefits if you need to enforce your copyright in court.
Want to dive deeper into this topic?
I recommend "This Business of Music: The Definitive Guide to the Music Industry" by M. William Krasilovsky, Sidney Shemel, and John M. Gross. While it covers various aspects of the music industry, it has a comprehensive section dedicated to copyright and its application in music.
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