I submitted a FORM PA song copyright form one time with several songs on it as a collection. One of the songs I gave my daughter credit as co-writer and the USLOC sent it back stating that each Form PA is to have the exact same writers only.

But now, I don't even bother with copyright. Yup.... you heard that right. I simply register it with Songuard Service which is totally free with Masterwriter. Even a computer file creation or a song upload to a service like Soundcloud puts a date stamp on the file. In essence, that's exactly what the LOC does for a fee. All you need to prove is that YOUR version predates the "other" version, to a court of law. With server records and computer files..... there's a ton of dated files floating around..... so it's easy to prove. LOC is the "official" way and a judge would require it, and your music attorney would insist before entering the courtroom.

I even had a very reputable top notch publisher tell me that he would prefer that I let him do the first copyright on a song. If I register it, he has to reference my copyright registration number. It's more work for him and his staff. Same thing with BMI song registrations for PRO royalties...

If you are not affiliated with a publisher, there's really no need to copyright your songs at all unless it makes you sleep better at night and you have the cash to spare. As hard as it is to get a publisher to even look at your songs.... one that has the good connections, seriously, no one is out there trying to steal songs that are less that mega hits.

No one searches the LOC data base by song title....and furthermore, they can't hear the songs there...... only a publisher or library will make the songs available online and by title/genre/lyric topic....and they will obtain the copyright for you before they post them. I guarantee it.

IMHO.... don't waste your money.

Last edited by Guitarhacker; 09/06/14 04:10 PM.
You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.