Steps to Copyrighting Music
- 1). Go to the Copyright office's eCO Online System to register your musical composition. Create an account with them if you're new; then go to their "Copyright Services" section and click "Register a New Claim." Click "Start registration." Go to "Type of Work" and select the option that matches your piece of music, then click "Next." Click "New" to add the title of your composition; select your title type, then type the title in the box below it. Click "Save" after you've added all of your music titles.
- 2). Select "Yes" or "No" from the drop-down menu that asks the question, "Has this work been published?" Then click "Next" to answer if you've published your music, and in what year. Click "Next" again. If you answered "Yes," answer the publication-related information that comes up. Click "Add me" if you are the author of the music, or click "New" if someone else authored it. Fill in the information on the page that appears, then click "Save." Click in the boxes to denote what you contributed to the music, then click "Save." Click "Next" if you're done with the Author section.
- 3). Click "Add me" if you are the creator of the music. Click "New" if you are not, then click "Next." Completing information for the creator, or claimant, is the same as that for the author(s). Click "Next" after completing this process to get to the "Preexisting Material" section. Fill in the boxes with the registration information for the preexisting material. Click "Next" and designate someone who can grant permission to use your musical composition. Click "Next" to provide additional information for this person.
- 4). Click "Next," then type the address of the person who will receive the registration certificate. Click "Next" to get to the special handling page, note the "Warnings" below, then click "Next" again. Place a check in the "I certify" box after reading the statement, then type the name of the certifying person in the next box. Click the option you'll use to submit your music; then click "Next." Review your application before clicking "Add to cart." Review your contact information and case details before clicking "Checkout." Select your payment method, then proceed to complete your registration.
- 5). Wait for the "Payment Successful" window. You'll then be able to select how you're going to submit your musical composition: by mail or by uploading. Select "Submit your Work." Choose between "Send by Mail" or "Upload Deposit." (See Tips.) Click "Close Window" after you upload your musical composition. Click "Done" after you've uploaded your work or printed the "Deposit Copy Shipping" slip. (See Resources.)
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