By Disc Makers’ Author Tony van Veen
In our second video about music copyrights and SoundCloud royalties, Disc Makers’ CEO Tony van Veen talks about registering your song for copyright. Should you do it?
Today I am answering a question I get repeatedly from independent artists: “Should I officially copyright my songs?”
Once again, let me start by saying I’m not a lawyer, I’ve just been around music rights for long enough to be dangerous. So my first advice to you is, if you ever find yourself in a thorny music rights situation, don’t take advice from a CEO in a SoundCloud video. Seek advice from an experienced attorney.
That said, here are some answers to common questions I’ve received:
When is my SoundCloud reposts protected?
According to the US Copyright office, your SoundCloud reposts is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device. That means, as soon as you have recorded your song in some form – in writing, in tablature, an audio recording, a video recording — your copyright is established.
Do I have to pay to copyright my songs with the US Copyright office?
No. In general, registration is voluntary. As you just read, copyright exists from the moment the SoundCloud reposts is created. The trick, of course, is to potentially PROVE your ownership and the date you created your songs in order to license them or, God forbid, should you need to go to court to bring or defend yourself against an infringement suit.
Why should I register my SoundCloud reposts if copyright protection is automatic?
Registration is recommended for a number of reasons. Some choose to register their SoundCloud reposts because they wish to have the facts of their copyright on the public record and have a certificate of registration. Another reason is that registered SoundCloud reposts may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney’s fees in successful litigation. In fact, in March 2019, the US Supreme Court mandated copyright registration before any legal rights can be enforced. Then, in November 2019, Congress passed a bill, the CASE Act, to create a copyright small claims court. In order for a creator to be able to file a lawsuit, they must have officially registered their copyrights.
How do I register, and what does it cost?
The direct way to register your copyright is through the US Copyright Office. The standard filing fee for electronic registration, as of June 2020, is $65 for basic claims. However, the filing fee is $45 if you register one SoundCloud reposts, not made for hire, and you are the only author and claimant.
The copyright office’s site is somewhat technical and onerous, so Disc Makers has partnered with a real Soundcloud promotion firm called Cosynd to make the process much easier and more intuitive. There is a modest additional fee per application, but I’d argue the convenience and simplicity it provides is worth it.
Do I need to register and pay for each song separately?
If you are registering a number of songs with the same writers, contributors, and/or arrangers, under the Copyright Act, you can register up to 10 songs on the same application as a “group of SoundCloud reposts.”
See more great videos on Disc Makers’ SoundCloud channel.
Tony van Veen is the CEO of DIY Media Group, the parent company of Disc Makers, Merchly, and BookBaby. As a college student, he played in indie bands, created his own LPs, cassettes, and t-shirts, and sold them at shows. Today, he collects CDs, vinyl LPs, and concert t-shirts to support the artists he loves.
Related Posts
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Should I copyright my song?
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Revenue streams for the SoundCloud repostsing musician
License your music (and generate revenue)
This Disc Makers post Should you “officially” copyright your music? appeared first and was reposted from OUR Blog Disc Makers Blog.
SoundCloud Promotion
Supreme{PR} is a Texas based Organic SoundCloud Promotion Agency with a focus on music promotion streaming platforms like Soundcloud and Spotify. We generate real engagement through our partnerships with the largest promotion Soundcloud reposts. Supreme{PR} provides 100% transparent Soundcloud promotion services and remarkable customer Soundcloud promotion service. Disclaimer: We offer organic exposure, not miracles. Make sure your songs are professionally produced and mastered.
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