Protecting Your Songs!

As songwriters, we all take pride when we've had an idea for a melody, lyric or music and see it all come together into a great song!

But, even after you've recorded it, there's one more step you should take.
That step - and it's a very important one - is to make certain that it's protected. You can do this through copyright.

What is copyright?
Well, let's just say that it's - in a sense - the birth certificate for your song.

The process of copyright involves the legal protection of original works which gives you exclusive rights to reproduce, perform and distribute the work.

To get things started, go to the copyright section of http://www.copyright.gov/ .
Look for the form that fits your needs best, then download it.

I use the SR form - for sound recordings on tape or CD - to submit a collection of songs.
The cost per registration is $45 offline and $35 for online registration.

Protecting your song(s) through copyright allows you to have the upperhand should you need to protect your work in court if someone infringes upon your copyright.

So, be sure to explore the copyright website I provided for you above to learn more about this important process. You'll be glad you did!

Thanks 4 spending some time with CJack's MusiQuarium!
Tune into CJack Run TV anytime for highlights from the award-winning "CJack Run Presents..."!

• Next up! CJack Run Presents... Talent Showcase featuring SU students Tinuke, Sharisse, Divinia, Anthony and Hannah to air this Wednesday - Sept. 24 - @ 9:30 p.m. on Time-Warner Cable Ch. 98 - CJack's MusiQuarium will have highlight videos up soon!