For all you bands out there:  If you have music on your site, you should be VERY CAREFUL!  

If I were to go to your MySpace, listen to and like one of your songs, I could download it, figure it out by ear, record it, release it, and make millions.  And you wouldn’t get a penny.  You could even sue me, but if you don’t have it registered with the U.S. Copyright office, you’ll lose.  I could steal it, and then register it MYSELF.  Then, a judge won’t care what you say, because I would own the copyright.

In the world of MySpace, correct copyright is more important than ever.  That’s why I’m telling you this.  Here are the basics:

Is the “poor man’s copyright” (mailing it to yourself) valid? NO!

Benefits of registering your song with the U.S. Copyright Office

1. You can collect mechanical royalties
2. You can sue an infringer in federal court
3. If someone tries to steal your song, you have the best proof that it’s yours.

As the copyright holder,

you would then have the EXCLUSIVE rights to:

Reproduce the work
Add/remove/change the words, music, etc.
Do re-mixes
Distribute copies of it
Perform the song(s)
Perform the work publicly via digital audio transmission

YOU NEED TO COPYRIGHT YOUR SONGS

It’s extremely affordable and provides peace of mind.  Why wouldn’t you secure your songs and ensure that you’re safe?  If you have questions or need help copyrighting your songs, let me know.  It isn’t as difficult or time consuming as one might think; it’s all about knowing where to start.  Let me help you out!

Cheers.

Josh W