3 reasons to get your song copyrighted

The music industry is highly competitive. One-hit wonders have come and gone, as their nomenclature suggests. But even if flash-in-the-pan musicians don't have the staying power of household names, getting radio airplay – even if for a short time – is an accomplishment a rare few can lay claim to. And the ingenuity and inventiveness of putting together a song deserves to be protected. Indeed, according to polling data from Time and Qualcomm, more than three-quarters of consumers worldwide believe intellectual property rights ought to be more robust than they are presently.

Obtaining a copyright is one of the ways musicians can ensure their inventiveness remains exclusive to them. But all too often – whether due to unawareness or misunderstanding – artists fail to take the appropriate precautions that certify what they created can't be ripped off. Copyright infringement is frequently done by those who don't have a criminal history, according to the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

If you're a musician who is looking to make it big or enjoys local gigs, here are a few of the reasons why getting copyrighted should be at the top of your playlist:

1. Rights are guaranteed
It's one thing to believe your intellectual property rights have been infringed upon – it's quite another for those assertions to hold up in court. Without copyright protection, the lyrics you wrote or the melody you originated are up for grabs, and there's nothing that you can do get back what is rightfully yours. You won't have to worry about this, though, when you get your song or songs registered.

2. Protections are all encompassing
Acquiring copyright protection is a smart move, because in addition to ensuring that what you've written or arranged is yours, you can also create copies of your song. Furthermore, getting copyrighted allows you to distribute it as you see fit, make derivatives and perform the copyrighted work for the public to enjoy. Should you want to advertise your work, registration allows for this as well.

3. Use necessitates your authorization
It's always nice to be asked rather than told to do anything. Copyright protection requires anyone who would like to perform your song – or do a remix of it – first get the green light from you. Otherwise, he or she has free rein on your intellectual property, regardless of whether you've been consulted.

Some of the most well-known inventors – musician or otherwise – became household names because they took the time to copyright their work. Make sure you do the same to prevent charlatans from cashing in on what you created. As the old saying goes, possession really is nine-tenths of the law.

At Hudspeth Law Firm, we have the experience, tenure and resources to cross all the t's and dot all the i's that the copyright process involves. Our expertise in trademark and copyright law helps to set the authorship tone so you can get back to playing the tunes.

Categorised in: Entertainment Law, Intellectual Property Law

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