Music Copyright, Explained
Every song you write is protected by copyright law. Understanding how music copyright works is essential for protecting your creative work and maximizing your income as a songwriter.
The Two Copyrights In Every Song
Every recorded song contains two separate and distinct copyrights, each with different owners, different royalty streams, and different collection pathways.
Composition Copyright
Sound Recording Copyright
The Bundle Of Rights
Copyright is not a single right — it's a bundle of six exclusive rights that the copyright owner controls. Each right can be licensed, assigned, or retained independently.
The right to make copies of the work — physical, digital, or streaming. This is the basis of mechanical royalties.
The right to distribute copies to the public — through sales, downloads, or streaming platforms.
The right to perform the work publicly — radio, TV, live concerts, restaurants, streaming. Basis of performance royalties.
The right to create new works based on the original — covers, remixes, translations, adaptations.
The right to display the work publicly — applicable to printed lyrics, sheet music, and liner notes.
The right to transmit the work digitally — webcasts, internet radio, and on-demand streaming.
Reproduction
The right to make copies of the work — physical, digital, or streaming. This is the basis of mechanical royalties.
Distribution
The right to distribute copies to the public — through sales, downloads, or streaming platforms.
Public Performance
The right to perform the work publicly — radio, TV, live concerts, restaurants, streaming. Basis of performance royalties.
Derivative Works
The right to create new works based on the original — covers, remixes, translations, adaptations.
Display
The right to display the work publicly — applicable to printed lyrics, sheet music, and liner notes.
Digital Transmission
The right to transmit the work digitally — webcasts, internet radio, and on-demand streaming.
How To Register And Protect Your Music
Copyright exists from the moment your song is "fixed in a tangible form" — recorded on your phone, written on paper, or saved as a file. You don't need to register to own the copyright.
While not required, formal registration ($65 online) provides legal benefits: the ability to sue for infringement, statutory damages up to $150,000, and attorney's fees. Register at copyright.gov.
Register each composition with ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC to collect performance royalties. This is separate from Copyright Office registration.
Register with the MLC (for US streaming mechanicals) and/or use a publishing administrator like JukeHouse for comprehensive global collection.
For global collection, register with collection societies in key territories — or use a publisher/admin that handles this for you across 60+ societies.
Create the work
Copyright exists from the moment your song is "fixed in a tangible form" — recorded on your phone, written on paper, or saved as a file. You don't need to register to own the copyright.
Register with the US Copyright Office
While not required, formal registration ($65 online) provides legal benefits: the ability to sue for infringement, statutory damages up to $150,000, and attorney's fees. Register at copyright.gov.
Register with your PRO
Register each composition with ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC to collect performance royalties. This is separate from Copyright Office registration.
Register for mechanical collection
Register with the MLC (for US streaming mechanicals) and/or use a publishing administrator like JukeHouse for comprehensive global collection.
Register internationally
For global collection, register with collection societies in key territories — or use a publisher/admin that handles this for you across 60+ societies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Music Copyright
Do I need to register my copyright to own it?
No. Copyright exists automatically when you create an original work and fix it in tangible form. However, registering with the US Copyright Office provides important legal protections — including the ability to sue for infringement and collect statutory damages.
What's the difference between © and ℗?
© (copyright) applies to the underlying composition — the song as written. ℗ (phonogram) applies to the specific sound recording. Both are separate copyrights with separate ownership and separate royalty streams.
How long does copyright last?
For works created after January 1, 1978, copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. For joint works, it's life of the last surviving author plus 70 years. Works made for hire last 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation.
Do I need to put © on my work?
No. Since 1989 (when the US joined the Berne Convention), copyright notice is no longer required. However, including it can deter infringement and eliminate an "innocent infringement" defense.
Can I copyright a chord progression or beat?
Generally, no. Chord progressions, basic rhythmic patterns, and common musical phrases are not copyrightable. Copyright protects original creative expression — a specific melody combined with specific lyrics, or a sufficiently original arrangement.
What happens if someone samples my song without permission?
Unauthorized sampling is copyright infringement of both the composition and the sound recording. You can issue a takedown notice, negotiate a retroactive license, or pursue legal action. Even short samples require clearance.
Register And Protect Your Songs
JukeHouse registers your compositions with 60+ collection societies worldwide — protecting your rights and collecting your royalties.
Ready to collect what you're owed?
JukeHouse registers, tracks, and collects royalties from 60+ societies worldwide.