#781104 - 11/26/03 12:39 AM
Protection, how?
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SpasmBass
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Registered: 11/24/03
Posts: 19
Loc: AK
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I am almost finished recording a 7 track demo CD and the band and i where planning on sending it to various labels, yet we where worried what protects our songs from just getting stolen. What kind of copy right process would someone have to go through? any other tips would be great.
Thanks
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#781105 - 12/01/03 12:33 PM
Re: Protection, how?
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daddyelmis
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Registered: 04/09/02
Posts: 704
Loc: USA
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The copyright attaches to your original work the moment it is "fixed in a tangible medium of expression" to use the magic words of the copyright act. That means, as soon as you record it or write it down, you have a copyright in the material (provided it is an original work). Of course, PROVING when you created the work is critical, so registration may be advisable.
In the U.S., you can register your copyright with the Library of Congress, which involves filling out a pretty simple form, and sending a copy of the work with the registration fee (I think $30 now).
Registration establishes (objectively) your creation date, and allows you to sue in federal court for infringement. You cannot sue for infringement without having registered the copyright first (although you can register when you sue). Copyright litigation, like all litigation, is a sport for the very well-to-do.
More copyright basics here: http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ1.html
Check the other post here about shopping songs around . . . major labels and artists generally don't accept or listen to unsolicited material (partly for copyright reasons).
Good luck.
_________________________
http://www.ruleradio.com "Fame is like death: We will never know what it looks like until we've reached the other side. Then it will be impossible to describe and no one will believe you if you try." - Sloane Crosley, Village Voice
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#781106 - 12/04/03 02:02 AM
Re: Protection, how?
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GTRBass
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Registered: 12/03/03
Posts: 598
Loc: Los Angeles, Ca
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If you send a demo package (even an unsolicited one) to a well run label, it will be logged in a ledger that it was recieved. This is done as a matter of general policy, on the advice of their legal counsel, to protect the organization from claims by some unknown moron filing a frivolous lawsuit claiming "XXX Records stole my song and it was a hit by ". The submission log database documents who and where it came from, when it was recieved, and where it went from the mail room.
The unsolicited package will be immediately sent to a long term storage facility known as a dumpster. If you're very lucky, a homeless person with A&R aspirations may discover you this way. Mostly though, he or she will utilize the packaging material as filler for the holes in their shoes, and as toilet paper, etc. They will be grateful for this gift, so consider sending away.
If you want to do it right, consider sending a query letter or e-mail to the label(s) before sending out your package. If they're curious, you will recieve a "code" word or marking of some kind to write on the outer packaging indicating that it should be reviewed by someone. Most often, the "code" word or mark is regularly and randomly changed.
Beware, if you are ever fortunate enough to receive this much coveted code, don't share it. They have ways of tracking it back to who it was assigned to. Some A&R departments structure the code so that some part of it is specific only to your submission. If you're caught giving out the code for fun or profit, and overloading their mailroom, you might find yourself off the Christmas card list. Forever, and ever...
If you blindly send out demos, it might make you feel like you''re doing something. All you'll actually be doing is spending money, keeping the postman busy, and needlessly adding to a landfill somewhere. Ohh, except for the parts the homeless person could use, that is.
By the way... Only worry about your song being "stolen" when some shaved ape in a suit puts a contract in front of you to sign. In the music business no one steals songs from you, just the money they generate.
Hmm. Makes you think that the shoe store isn't such a bad gig after all, doesn't it?
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#781107 - 12/20/03 08:00 PM
Re: Protection, how?
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Bodiddley
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Registered: 12/20/03
Posts: 79
Loc: GA
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You might orta hope dey get stolen 'cause dats how you becomes somebody. Don't worry 'bout protecting yo songs, worry 'bout protecting yo money. Let everybody have yo songs an play em. Da mo' dem songs is herd, da mo' theys gonna know 'bout you.
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#781108 - 12/27/03 09:25 AM
Re: Protection, how?
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Hound Dog
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Registered: 09/19/03
Posts: 967
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Hmm, Bo. very profound.
_________________________
Yum, Yum! Eat em up!
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#781109 - 12/29/03 09:09 PM
Re: Protection, how?
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Bodiddley
Senior Member
Registered: 12/20/03
Posts: 79
Loc: GA
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Thanks, dog
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#781110 - 12/29/03 10:36 PM
Re: Protection, how?
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Duddits
Platinum Member
Registered: 12/29/03
Posts: 1068
Loc: Island of Yap, Micronesia
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No one's gonna steal your damn music, g.
N if they did, it'd be the best thing that'd ever happen to ya. Bo's right.
_________________________
Dooby Dooby Doo
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#781111 - 02/13/05 11:47 AM
Re: Protection, how?
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agi
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Registered: 02/13/05
Posts: 14
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Where to get Copyright Quick and cheap?
I will tell you where.
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