I would like to cast a ray of sunshine into this conversation.

There has been a lot of good information posted now, so that folks can start their research projects ahead of the game, so to speak. There is much to learn and study but some good tips have been given.

I would still recommend a talk with an IP lawyer in the music field. They are not that expensive. Some will read and comment on a publishing agreement for as little as $200. But they will all say: "Don't you dare come back to me crying after the fact if you already signed it and didn't ask me to read it, and just found out they own your house now."

On the happy side, one music industry lawyer told me once, in almost these exact words:

"My dream for you is that you do write a hit song and someone blatantly steals it and that it ends up on the radio and becomes a hit and makes someone 10 million dollars. And that you filed all the proper paperwork and also registered it with your PRO, and also have a time stamp on soundcloud and they have no legal paperwork or evidence whatsoever of having written the song before you did.

"I pray and I dream that that will happen to you.

"Because when I walk into court with you, it will be the best day of your life.

"And mine."

**

FROM ASCAP

Can I register my music for copyright protection or get a bar code for my CD through ASCAP?

ASCAP does not register music for the purpose of copyright protection; this is the responsibility of the writer(s) and publisher(s) of any given work. You can register your music for copyright protection through the Library of Congress which can be reached at 202-707-3000 or on the web at www.loc.gov. For information on bar codes, please visit www.discmakers.com.

https://www.ascap.com/help/music-business-101/money-copyright

https://www.ascap.com/music-creators

https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/attention-songwriters-protect-your-valuable-assets-with-a-copyright







David Snyder
Songwriter/Renaissance Man
Studio + Fingers

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