To write song lyrics and get them to the next step seems like a simple task when technically it’s a process in this music business. As a songwriter, it’s also helpful to learn the fundamentals of the creation of music because many songwriters also write music. While this is not necessary to sell a hit song, it keeps you abreast of the industry leading songwriters and knowing how to speak their music lingo.

As many are confused in the process of what’s next after the song is jotted down on the notebook, on a napkin, or inside the palm of your hands;  here are a few simple steps in copyrighting your work.

Copyright and Ownership - Having  a copyright is important for legal reasons should you have infringement issues down the road. Of course you are aware that once your piece is written that by law you own that particular work. However, in the court of law, having an accompanied document to prove your ownership weighs heavily and accurately.

U.S. Copyright Office Online – Simply go here for more information on filing a formal copyright application (US Copyright Office) using the new CO form. It replaced the PA, TX, VA, SE and SR forms. Submit your lyrics and a sketch of the audio of the song on CD. To save on the copyright fees, it’s a great idea to copyright several songs under one fee as a collection of songs and/or compilation of work. Here’s a PDF tutorial in the online filing process.

Important to Know

Lyrics and Melody: If you wrote the lyrics and a music producer contributed the music, then the copyright’s entitlement  is split 50% between you and the music producer or composer, or whatever amount you all agree upon. On the old copyright forms this would fall under the PA form.

Sound Recording: As this is often confused with the production of the song; a sound recording is usually owned by the record label or the entity that releases the record. This would fall upon the old SR form. In the instance of the sound recording and with so many home studios and indie labels out there, it’s common to find one entity or group owning the lyrics, melody and sound recording provided there are no publishers involved which holds the copyright or partial rights to the lyrics and the melody only. However, if there was a separate deal to come about with a major label, they often seek copyrights to the sound recording. ***It’s always best to speak with your attorney to fully understand these aspects before signing any agreements.