The Gretsch Pages: Discussions: Common Questions: Free copywriting anywhere?

Free copywriting anywhere?

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- Rated: 72 ↑
Jul 1, 2009 8:42 a.m. BigJimSlade:

Anyone know of free copywriting sources, sites or software? Can get kinda expensive.
- Rated: 49 ↑
Jul 1, 2009 9:30 a.m. Suprdave5150:

Only way I know is to send off to the library of congress (USA) and they will do a whole Cd for @ $45.00 or $90.00 for dual copyright. a) copyright as a project of musical expression. b) an artistic expression.

It's been a couple of years so I may be wrong.

Dave
- Rated: 135 ↑
Jul 1, 2009 9:36 a.m. Deed Eddy:

You can copyright "a collection". It is a much less expensive way to go.

edit: Oh, I see Superdave is on it...
- Rated: 14 ↑
Jul 1, 2009 10:00 a.m. RhythmMax:

Copyrighting a "collection" (often referred to as a "suite" or "body of musical works" in copyright parlance) as a single entity leads to publishing complications with regards to the future licensing or use of any individual song contained therein. If another artist (or music supervisor for TV/film) wishes to use a certain piece, you would have relinquish the rights for everything contained in the copyright. In terms of simplifying future revenue, it's better to create individual copyrights for each piece.
- Rated: 72 ↑
Jul 1, 2009 2:30 p.m. BigJimSlade:

Don't really think I could make a dime, but would hate to get ripped off somehow. I figured there would be a free way to do it, though. Thank you all for the input thusfar.
- Rated: 30 ↑
Jul 1, 2009 2:55 p.m. superaxe63:

I thought you could send yourself a copy of the material by registered post. Signed, sealed, delivered. Im sure it qualifies.
- Rated: 135 ↑
Jul 1, 2009 5:15 p.m. Deed Eddy:

I believe the term "collection" is correct, in copyright parlance, however, this statement by Rhythym Max is quite important..."In terms of simplifying future revenue, it's better to create individual copyrights for each piece."

info
- Rated: 72 ↑
Jul 1, 2009 5:53 p.m. BigJimSlade:

For some reason I was unable to open your ASCAP link, but I went to the ASCAP sie and was still unable to find the copywrite portal. It makes sense to cpyrite individually, but like most folk I'm trying to do it on a budget.
- Rated: 135 ↑
Jul 1, 2009 6:07 p.m. Deed Eddy:

Try the link again.
- Rated: 13 ↑
Jul 1, 2009 6:28 p.m. Zol:

I believe superaxe63 has a valid point also. If you make a cd copy of your song, go to the post office and send it to yourself, certified mail I believe, and sign for it upon reciept, never open it and keep the post office certified label attached to the package. This doesn't take the place of a formal copyright or offer the same level of protection, but I think it will hold up in court if your song is challenged and you have the unopened package that will verify by date that you wrote the song first. At least that's how I understand it.

I know there are a lot of other folks here much more knowledgable than me with regards to copyrighting that will help you, especially Deed, but this might be an inexpensive way to get at least a little protection if cost is a factor for you and I'm not mistaken - which has certainly happenned before!.

Good luck!
- Rated: 15 ↑
Jul 1, 2009 6:34 p.m. Brandon02:

I've been wandering about copywriting too. I've just recorded my first song with lyrics and have some more on the way. I want to copywrite the whole CD instead of each song to save money.
- Rated: 13 ↑
Jul 1, 2009 7:15 p.m. Zol:

Great Link Deed! Thanks from me too!
- Rated: 15 ↑
Jul 1, 2009 8:47 p.m. Brandon02:

The link provided by Deed cleared up my questions, thanks Deed.
- Rated: 72 ↑
Jul 1, 2009 9:29 p.m. BigJimSlade:

Thanks, Deed. Works fine now.
- Rated: 19 ↑
Jul 1, 2009 9:30 p.m. Tennis_Nick:

The whole certified mail thing is a myth.

Don't cheap out. you want protection, get protection. Everything else is just a waste of your time.

Besides, you own your song as soon as you put pen to paper and record it.

What you're buying is the ability to protect that ownership. Sending yourself a CD and never picking it up is no defense in these cases.
- Rated: 135 ↑
Jul 1, 2009 9:39 p.m. Deed Eddy:

From the copyright.gov website...... The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a “poor man’s copyright.” There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration.
- Rated: 62 ↑
Jul 2, 2009 3:42 a.m. MR TROUBLE:

I recently copyrighted 4 tunes on the official govt website, did it all online, no paperwork needed, uploaded the files...did this several months ago...just got the letter stating it was approved.
- Rated: 59 ↑
Jul 2, 2009 7:10 a.m. Bernw:

As superaxe and zol have suggested - post it to yourself. That is what I have done. But no doubt Deed is correct in her observations covering the position in the USA. I am not sure whether the UK laws follow similar lines in relation to copyright, but the post it to yourself method - in the UK - has been highly recommended by people so called "in the know" I'd be interested to know if I therefore have little protection if I ever got involved in a copyright litigation case (mind you - who in their right minds would want to rip off my songs!!)
- Rated: 79 ↑
Jul 2, 2009 7:53 a.m. Richard Hudson:

You would think that a "poor man's copyright" would be sufficient to prove ownership. It leaves the door open for expensive court battles.

Like Vern Gosdin said, "If you're gonna do me wrong, do it right."

Ol' Vern
- Rated: 86 ↑
Jul 2, 2009 8:58 a.m. crowbone:

Thanks for this thread.

It's something everyone doing originals needs to take care of.

CYA & TCOB
- Rated: 30 ↑
Jul 2, 2009 11:42 a.m. superaxe63:

So it should be signed, sealed, delivered, its mine!
- Rated: 0 ↑
Jul 2, 2009 12:37 p.m. kjcoff:

I've been copywriting my pieces individually for years. I asked a lawyer about the common law copyright (mailing it to yourself) and the problem comes in if and when you have to go to court over a piece copyrighted that way. It's not officially copyrighted and therefore will not stand up in court is what I was told.
Like it's been said, don't cheap out on copyright. Better to have the real deal number and KNOW it's protected!
- Rated: 3 ↑
Jul 3, 2009 7:00 p.m. catar:

Deed,thank you for the link.
- Rated: 16 ↑
Jul 3, 2009 10:19 p.m. DustyRoad:

$45.00 for copy-write.on line or they'll mail you a packet. My bride recieved her packet with all the info and forms. The packet is free. Seems to me individual copy-write would be the way to go.
- Rated: 72 ↑
Jul 3, 2009 11:21 p.m. BigJimSlade:

Thanks, bro for the info, it all helps!