The music copyright law is a legal protection provided to the original musician or artist. From a legal standpoint, a copyright is proof that the work is original and not copied from another source.

So when you, the serious artist create a new song, it is very important to register your songs with the U.S. Copyright Office. This will protect you and your songs from someone trying to steal and claim your creative work as their own.

If someone does steal your song, you can prove the song is yours with your registered copyright. Copyright infringement is a very serious offense. The offender can be subject to statutory damages, attorney fees and/or jail time.

There are several ways to copyright your original work. You can visit the U.S. Copyright Office and register on-line. The online process has tutorials and does walk you step-by-step through filling out the document and help you understand what information goes where. You can also upload your songs digitally, if you prefer.

The filing fee for online registration is $35.

If you prefer not to go through the online process, you can type all of your information in Form CO that is also provided by the U.S. Copyright Office.

The cost to mail in the form is $50.

Whether online or mail, it will take six months for the Library of Congress to process your registration. Once you’ve submitted your work, you’re officially protected.

There is also a FREE way of copyrighting your music as well. You can visit My Free Copyright where the service is free. You can upload your digital files and they are instantly copyrighted with proof of date and time of registration. You can use this digital copyright to prove in any case of infringement, however, you cannot collect statutory damages from the offender.

Copyrighting your songs will guarantee you protection from theft. Although the copyright law may seem complex, the process of registering is quite simple.