Music Copyright Advice

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I’ve had my fair share of been involved with music copyright over the past 20 years. Here’s some advice to help you protect and monetize your music.

Poor man’s copyright:
I still make use of this method as an extra precaution. This method involves you the composer, posting the sheet music(manuscript) or recording(CD) to yourself with registered post.

Once you receive the parcel back, leave it sealed and do “not” open it. Keep it in a safe place. You will only open it if there is a copyright dispute. This method proves that this is your original work due to the date stamp of the post office. It is “very” important not to tamper or open the parcel. It needs to be sealed.

For more info read:
wikipedia - Poor Man’s Copyright

Secondly, send your manuscript or mechanical recording to your local copyright organization. In South Africa we have SAMRO. You would require membership with them.

Thirdly, register with an international copyright company like Copyright House in the UK website. This is an electronic service and can you upload your manuscripts and recordings with them. Your works are stored in the cloud.

Another way to proof copyright is via online sites like Soundcloud, Reverbnation or even Youtube. Once you’ve uploaded it is stamped with the date and time. You can make a claim If you are the first person who uploaded it.

Companies like Routenote, Tunecore distribute your music on online stores like iTunes and Google play. They also monetize your tracks securing them for you.

Do not just only use one method. I use all of them for every single composition and mechanical recording.

I hope this article helps you and thank you for reading.

Follow me @bernardtjames