<p>S1 just spent 2 weeks composing and recording a new rock song with members of his band. He wants to upload it on various internet sites. Is anyone familiar with how and if copyright even applies in this situation? Is he protected if someone 'takes' the music and claims it as their own? Not that he would necessarily know if someone did.......</p>
<p>Technically any piece of writing or music that someone creates has a copyright on it, you don’t have to have to formally apply for a copyright on it. However, if you think you might need to take legal action if someone abuses it, you do need to register.</p>
<p>Here is a pretty good faq on the copyright office website that answers a lot of questions. </p>
<p>[U.S</a>. Copyright Office - Frequently Asked Questions](<a href=“http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/]U.S”>Frequently Asked Questions | U.S. Copyright Office)</p>
<p>Thanks for the links musicprnt - I actually do the reverse as part of my job - I advise people in my company about violating copyright. I just wanted to see if there was another ‘twist’ to it that I had not thought of.</p>
<p>If anyone has registered a musical composition, I would be interested. It may not be worth it for this one but it is important to understand the whole process.</p>
<p>Wish I could help. My husband did so with all his songs late 70s and early 80s, but I was not up on process. I know it is done.</p>
<p>You might want to start with ASCAP:</p>
<p>[ASCAP</a> - Welcome to ASCAP. The worldwide leader in performance royalties, service and advocacy for songwriters, composers and music publishers.](<a href=“http://www.ascap.com/default.aspx]ASCAP”>www.sitecore.net)</p>
<p>che-</p>
<p>The US copyright office tells how to file for a copyright formally, basically you submit the work with the appropriate form and fee, and it gets registered. I didn’t read it in depth, I would assume for songs it would be the lyrics and the written music, not sure if you can submit a recording to show what it is like…</p>
<p>The links faqs had a section on registering it.</p>
<p>My son is a member of BMI. He registers all classical compositions through one department manually, and all “songs” online. They track radio play, live performances & such, and pay royalties. ASCAP works in a similar manner. I recommend joining one of the two highly.</p>
<p>My D4 joined ASCAP at the recommendation of her teacher.</p>
<p>Diane Rehm just did a show on this topic last week. Here’s the link: [Copyright</a> Law in the Digital Age | The Diane Rehm Show from WAMU and NPR](<a href=“Diane Rehm”>Copyright Law in the Digital Age - Diane Rehm)</p>
<p>Thank you everyone for sharing the references and your experiences.</p>