Music Copyright Laws – An Artists Guide
Posted on Feb, 22 by admin No Comments
A Simple Guide to Music Copyright Laws
Are you worried that the samples you’re using in your tracks are illegal?? Or are you just concerned that people don’t copy your own, carefully put together, original material?
Stop now!
Before you start that download, or release that song, copyright for music can be a confusing subject, and it is worth researching music copyright laws in detail. Below are some essential things to know about copyright for music, from expert producers we interviewed recently.
Psst – Are you a fan, not an artist? If you want the essentials on free legal music downloads sites and what you should know about copyright for music for downloaders and sharers, the interview covered that too! Watch out for the post to come..
The Essentials for Artists
Q) Is there anything people should consider before looking further into copyright for music?
A) Yes – music copyright laws certainly depend on which country you live in. In most countries, an artist essentially owns the material the instant they create it, as long as it is completely original and not an adaptation someone else’s work without permission. Despite that, most artists ensure their material is fully legally protected by music copyright laws. To do this, some countries require artists to fill out forms in order to enforce copyright for music, in others, there is a completely different method in place.
Taking two major countries as examples UK laws are different from those in the USA.
Copyright for Music in the USA
Q) I expect more of our readers to be coming from the USA – so, for the artists trying to find out how they can protect their music, can you tell us more?
A) In the USA, copyright for music is registered with the US Copyright Office. The cheapest way is registering online at the U.S Electronic Copyrighting Office website, and fill out the Form CO application form. The application requires a $35 fee, and a digital copy of your work – but this is a small price to pay for being on the right side of music copyright laws.
You can also submit a form on paper too – this is the old method, but is still accepted, and costs $45. The form is called Form SR, and to get it you’ll need to request it from the US Copyright Office.
Music Copyright Laws in the UK
Q) OK, so a UK artist wants to copyright their work. How do they go about it?
A) Unlike the USA, there is no official register in the UK, and no forms. Because of this, it is a good idea to be sure your work can be proved legally your own – to do this, you can post a copy of your work to yourself in a registered envelope. Store it without opening it alongside a dated receipt from the post office, and you instantly have evidence of your ownership over your music, and you’ve secured music copyright laws.
Although a lot of other countries follow similar rules, it’s worth finding out the specifics for your own.
Is It Worth The Money and Effort?
Q) Now that I know the basics of copyright for music, I also get the impression it does take a bit of effort – I just want to get on with letting people hear my track. Why should I go to the trouble?
A) Any intellectual property that has no copyright owner is free to people who might try to use the track – or entire album, as the case may be – illegally, and claim it as their own. Once that’s been done it is difficult to prove whether it was originally your work.
It also encourages illegal downloads – if nobody holds the copyright over a song, music copyright laws cannot protect it and it is essentially absolutely free for anyone.
Want to find out more about how to ensure music copyright laws are protecting your tracks, and YOU get recognition for your work? Click for new music artists advice direct to your inbox.
Related posts:
- Music Copyright Laws for Music Sharers Music Copyright Laws – The Essentials for Fans This is...
- Give Absolutely Free Music Downloads to Get New Fans Music producers give away how to find great free legal...
- Ke$ha Disses Britney! – New Female Pop Music Artists ..An exclusive members’ followup on our post Ke$ha Speaks Out...
- New Female Music Artist Review – Ziggiville Discover new female pop music artist Ziggiville's rocky take on...
- New Music Artists Goodies New Music Artists Goodies …Are being made as we...