Quick Answer: What Are You Registering?
A song can involve two copyrights: the composition (music/lyrics) and the sound recording (the master). Before filing, decide what you own, who else contributed, and whether you are registering one work or a group of works.
Before You File
- Credits: List writers, producers, performers and ownership splits.
- Files: Prepare the audio file or sheet/lyrics required by your copyright office.
- Dates: Know creation, publication and release dates.
- Agreements: Resolve work-for-hire, splits and producer agreements before filing.
After Registration
Save the confirmation, certificate, deposit copy and payment receipt. Registration does not collect royalties by itself; you still need distributor metadata, PRO registration and publishing administration where relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
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