COPYRIGHT: REGISTER OR NOT?

It is not necessary to register your music to acquire copyright. Copyright is secured automatically when the work is created, and a work is “created” when it is fixed in a copy or phono record. Nevertheless a lot of musicians are worried: how can I prove that these songs are mine? To prevent problems you can register your works, then you have proof. In some countries one can deposit a copy of their works with the tax department or a public notary. Another possibility is to send yourself a letter with a copy of the work, and keep the envelope sealed. In some countries there are specialized agencies for (registering) Intellectual Property.

In the U.S. the situation is different. In this country copyright is also secured automatically, but deposit with the tax department of a public notary is called ‘poor man’s copyright’. It is common practice to register your music at the US Copyright Office. Registration establishes a public record for a copyright claim. Before an infringement suit may be filed in court, registration is necessary for works of U. S. origin.