|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,272
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,272 |
I'm curious what methods people have used, and what they found to be simple, straight forward, etc...
Thanks!
Chad (Hope that makes it easier)
TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,567
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,567 |
In the USA AFAIK there is only one way...through the copyright office. Cheaper to register a set rather than one at a time. Your songs are automatically copyrighted when you write them but registering them is how you prove ownership.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,063
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,063 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
You only need to register your songs with the copyright.gov site when you are ready to sue (ha, ha). Since a collection of songs is as cheap as one song, then that is a good option.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,055
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,055 |
Yep. You write them you own them. Post it somewhere that date stamps it,e.g. SoundCloud and don't worry unless it's lawsuit time at which point you can copyright them. Some folks mail the song to themselves and don't open the package.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
Just remember, if you want to sue the song MUST be registered at copyright.gov (or so I understand). They are "copyrighted" by you as soon as they are placed on a "tangible" medium. So as soon as you post an original tune here, it is considered copyrighted.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,781
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,781 |
Yep. You write them you own them. Post it somewhere that date stamps it,e.g. SoundCloud and don't worry unless it's lawsuit time at which point you can copyright them. Some folks mail the song to themselves and don't open the package. The only thing that will stand up in court is a copyright from the government. Don't wait until you want to sue as the other party may have copyrighted it themselves and then you are SOL.
Me, it's not about how many times you fail, it's about how many times you get back up.
Cop, that's not how field sobriety tests work.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,272
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,272 |
Thanks for the replies! I guess what I've been doing is the way it should be done. I just feel, every so often, it's best to check your methods. I've had too many times in my life where there was "a better way" after the fact! Thanks all! 
Chad (Hope that makes it easier)
TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,055
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,055 |
Yep. You write them you own them. Post it somewhere that date stamps it,e.g. SoundCloud and don't worry unless it's lawsuit time at which point you can copyright them. Some folks mail the song to themselves and don't open the package. The only thing that will stand up in court is a copyright from the government. Don't wait until you want to sue as the other party may have copyrighted it themselves and then you are SOL. According to U.S. copyright law, songwriters own their songs the moment their songs are completed You would simply have to prove via the posted date that you copyrighted the song. When you put "copyright 2016" beside it it is copyrighted. Really that it. You can then register your copyright at the US office if you choose but that is not required for the song to be considered legally copyrighted. So you aren't SOL. Just in for more of a hassle should it be stolen Here's a good perspective. http://www.greatamericansong.com/copyrights.php
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,272
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,272 |
I’ve heard about a “poor man’s copyright.” What is it?
The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a “poor man’s copyright.” There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration. That's right from the copyright office.
Chad (Hope that makes it easier)
TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,545
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,545 |
>> You would simply have to prove via the posted date that you copyrighted the song
Yes, if you emailed it to yourself at a hosted email like gmail or hotmail, that would be be strong proof of the date that it was sent. Because that couldn't be faked. You could open up the account, and show whoever was interested that gmail or hotmail received the email.
There could be problems with things mailed to your house, because you could mail yourself an unsealed envelope, and then seal it years later, after inserting something after-the-fact.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 470
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 470 |
Hi Ok anyone know the copyright agency in Britan and Ireland?or can people outside USA copyright with .gov ?
Thanks Hugh
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,055
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,055 |
I’ve heard about a “poor man’s copyright.” What is it?
The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a “poor man’s copyright.” There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration. That's right from the copyright office. And more right from the same FAQ at the US copyright office "Do I have to register with your office to be protected? No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Copyright Registration.” From stopfakes.gov Do I Have to Register My Copyright Claim? Last Published: 7/16/2016 No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright protection exists from the moment the work is created (fixed in a tangible medium). However, registration provides important benefits, such as proof of ownership. In addition, copyright owners who have registered their copyright have additional remedies if their copyright is infringed. Visit the U.S. Copyright Office for details about U.S. copyright law. The key is proof of ownership. If you post a song to to a website with X date then a thief would have to prove that they have an earlier date that can be affixed to the song. Now would it be easier for you to prove them wrong if the song were registered? Perhaps. But the copyright allows you no legal assistance...nothing but readily accessible documentation of the date you registered it. Would that be stronger in a court of law? Beats me. All I've been trying to point out is that the copyright office does not copyright your material. And in this day and age their documentation of registration may be an antiquated mechanism given the multitude of opportunities to affix dates to it via the web.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,567
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,567 |
From everything I have heard, that whole "mail a copy to yourself" is just a myth and has absolutely no standing in a legal dispute. I think Mario is right about being SOL if you fail to copyright your work and later have to prove ownership. Of course, the odds any most/none of us will ever need this protection!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,567
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,567 |
And a website provides no proof of copyright! I can post to my own website and then change the date any time I want. I would assume SoundCloud and others can do the same. Really proves nothing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,055
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,055 |
From the US government site: "Copyright Protection Is Automatic Under the present copyright law, which became effective January 1, 1978, a work is automatically protected by copyright when it is created. A work is created when it is “fixed” or embodied in a copy or phonorecord for the first time. Neither registration in the Copyright Office nor publication is required for copyright protection under the law." I'm out
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,567
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,567 |
No one is arguing that your work is not automatically copyrighted. It is! Most people know this.
Yet there is still a Very Important Reason serious writers still use copyright registration...because it is MUCH easier to prove ownership when a song is registered with the copyright office.
Disputes involving registered works are settled with a simple letter that includes a copy of the registration. One stamp and a copy. Case closed. Done deal.
On the other hand if someone big stole your song and your only proof of ownership is a letter you mailed yourself, you are still tens (or hundreds) of thousands of dollars in legal fees away from possibly winning that case!
Last edited by JohnJohnJohn; 12/15/16 02:24 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,055
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,055 |
I never suggested that a letter was the way to go only that some folks use that method. If you have a song posted at SoundCloud or soundclick or reverbnation or other such sites then in a court of law the infringer would have to show similar evidence of their "ownership" that predates yours or hire a Russian hacker However, if I were writing for commercial interests I'd register them...or at least I would at the point somebody showed any interest. I was only suggesting that there are alternatives ways of recording your date of ownership that are viable but perhaps nowhere as seamless as "real" registration. Heck, at my level I'd be gobsmacked and flabbergasted and flattered if someone attempted to appropriate one of my tunes!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,902
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,902 |
Heck, at my level I'd be gobsmacked and flabbergasted and flattered if someone attempted to appropriate one of my tunes!
I am with you here Bud. I was relieved to learn that my songs are copyrighted as soon as I upload to the web. With so little time to devote to making music I prefer to spend my time writing the songs. I think too many amateur musicians think that there is someone trawling sites to try and steal their songs while in reality we are much more likely to fade into obscurity that have our songs nicked.
LyricLab A.I assisted chords and lyric app. Export lyrics and import directly into Band-in-a-Box 2024. https://lyriclab.net Play-along with songs you know and love, download SGU files https://playiit.com/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,781
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,781 |
I think that regardless of what anyone here has posted, myself included, if one is truly interested in copyrighting then they should contact a good lawyer that knows about such things.
I copyrighted every original that Pumping Station Road, a group that I have studio worked with, has written. I doubt very much that anyone is interested in my originals.
Me, it's not about how many times you fail, it's about how many times you get back up.
Cop, that's not how field sobriety tests work.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!
The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!
The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!
Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.
This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245
The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option
Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!
Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!
For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.
Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.
Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!
Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.
Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!
With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!
Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!
If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.
A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."
"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."
"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."
Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!
The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!
There are other places you can listen to these songs too! Visit our User Showcase page to sort by genre, artist (forum name), song title, and date - each listing will direct you to the forum post for that song.
If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.
We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!
Congratulations to the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
We've just announced the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
There are 45 winners, each receiving a Band-in-a-Box 2024 UltraPAK! Read the official announcement to see if you've won.
Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums66
Topics81,582
Posts734,690
Members38,499
| |
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean