Copyrighting - need some "sound" advice

Chip Fossa · From: Monson, MA, USA (deceased)

Heard years ago, all you had to do, before
actually going thru the rig-a-mah-roll of
writing out lyrics and notation to YOUR song,
that you could make a simple recording and state on this tape, all the "I-TIN"----Name of artist - date recorded - name of song - and any other things I may have overlooked.

I got, what I think is, not only a great melody. I created it on the steel, and it is not country, rock, swing etc.; anything like we are all used to hearing on the steel.

I play U-12, and in this melody, I really take full advantage of the low strings along
with the melody going on, in the upper register.

It's sort of a cross between Gospel and the Moody
Blues.

I came up with the basic structure of this tune, about 2-3 years ago, and set it down
on a TEAC 4-track reel to reel.

I just recently resurrected it, and ran it thru GOLDWAVE, and cleaned it up a bit.
It is, however, still a rough sketch. All the parts are in place, but I have a way to go yet, in developing a finished song.

But I would like to send out some snippets, in the meantime, to get some input from everyone out here...but I still want to protect MY SONG.....ya'll know.

Any help from you steelers who have gone thru copywriting would be greatly appreciated.

It's about time, that I really stick out
my neck.

Thanks all...

Chipper

Chris Walke · From: St Charles, IL

I have yet to do it, but I believe it's as easy as putting the song on a cd or tape, filling out a form, and writing a check. Forms and instructions are here:
http://www.copyright.gov/forms/

I think you need the SR or PA form. Not sure.

Sorry my input is uncertain, but I know that this is a place to start. Good luck.

Chip Fossa · From: Monson, MA, USA (deceased)

Thanks Chris,
I'll certainly investigate that link.
I appreciate your input.

Chipper

Mike Perlowin · From: Los Angeles CA

Ken Lang · From: Simi Valley, Ca

You need form SR, for published or unpublished versions. SR stands for sound recordings.

Fill out the form, include tape or CD, and write the check.

In a couple of months you'll get a copy of the form back with the red starburst and the registrar numbers.

If you have spent months or even years writing the song and now have the copyright on it, all that is the easy part.

Now, selling it.............

Tony Prior · From: Charlotte NC

don't forget to to send the $30 with the SR form...

they say it takes 6 months but suprisingly it really takes about 60 days , given my last experience.

good luck with the tune, hope you make a million , or two , it seems one is not enough anymore !
tp

Chip Fossa · From: Monson, MA, USA (deceased)

Thanks Tony, Ken, and Mike P.

I appreciate all this input.

Fred Shannon · From: Rocking "S" Ranch, Comancheria, Texas, R.I.P.

[This message was edited by Fred Shannon on 06 December 2004 at 01:04 AM.]

Leon Grizzard · From: Austin, Texas, USA

You actually have the copyright now. Copyright subsists in original works of authorship when fixed in a tangible medium of expression. That is, when the song is first recorded or written down, you have the copyright. Before you can sue someone for infringing the copyright, you must register the copyright with the copyright office, and, of course, that registration serves an important roll in showing when you wrote the song, but again, you own the copyright already. Under pre 1978 law, you could lose the copyright if you sent out copies without the copyright notice, but that is no longer the case, although you should obviously put the copyright notice on all copies to put folks on notice.

Tony LaCroix · From: Austin, Texas, USA

I was once told that you could put it on a tape or CD, seal it in an envelope, mail it to yourself and file it. The date on the post mark would prove that you are the original artist. I don't know how it would hold up in court, but it makes sense.

Tony Prior · From: Charlotte NC

Tony, yes , that was considered the poor mans copyright.

The postmark on the un-opened envelope serves as your proof of date.

The only issue might be is if you ever had to go to court you have to have a judge convinced that what you did is appropriate and legitimate.

Folks have done it and probably still do.

tp

Chip Fossa · From: Monson, MA, USA (deceased)

Thanks again Fred, Leon, Tony L., and Tony P.
This is interesting stuff.

And yeah, I remember that sending a letter
to yourself as being a way to prove that you are the originator of the song.

I heard of this years ago, and was never quite sure if it was legit or not. Seems, tho, that this way would hold up in court.

But, I think I'll just pay the fee and do it the establishment way [God - did I say that??]

Thanks again, fellas. I appreciate all of your input.

Chipper

[This message was edited by CHIP FOSSA on 21 May 2003 at 03:00 PM.]

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