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[Tom Hicks]

Is it possible to copyright lyrics only without a melody? I need to have some protection for my work before I start showing it around to find a collaborator. Any help would be appreciated.

[bluebluejay]

i believe copyright comes automatically when a piece of literary work is fixed (aka written down). lyrics (even those with melodies) are protected separately from their melodies as literary works (melodies as musical works). so yes, your lyrics will be under protection of copyright.

im speaking as a UK law student studying intellectual property law please feel free to correct me. my opinions do not reflect that of my lecturers nor university. cheers.

[Dave41]

In the US, copyright protection begins when the work (even just lyrics) is fixed in a tangible medium (ie written down). However, before you show your work around, you should strongly consider registering your work. Registration affords you certain benefits that you otherwise do not receive.

[M. Arthur Auslander]

Dear Tom,

The answer is yes, but what you need and preagreement with the collaborator before you even get to the copyright.

[Kip Veasey]

If I were to take a lyric from a popular song (6 words) and  put it on a paper plate, would I need permission?

[M. Arthur Auslander]

Dear Kip Veasey,

It depends on what you do with the paper plate.

[Kip Veasey]

I'm going to sell it. It will have lots of graphics unrelated to the song.

[M. Arthur Auslander]

Dear Kip Veasey,

What you say sounds good but my gut says that six words might be challengable, particularly if you are sucessful.

It is better to have a clean start than know there might be a risk.

It takes more than a forum to explain how the risks work.

[Kip Veasey]

Thanks

[m]

It depends upon how generic the phrase is, and whether it can be identified as having been copied from the original song. Such a small number of words may not attract copyright protection - this is a very tricky area and the answers turn on the facts about how unique the words are, and so on.

[M. Arthur Auslander]

Dear m,

Do you have the money to go to court and prove that you are right, even if you are?

[div]

Are you able to quote lyrics in a work of fiction?  How would I go about getting copyright permissions (if needed) from people to quote parts of their songs as chapter openers to my book (fiction)?  Which would then be published sold and distributed worldwide

[Parker]

Could someone explain in a little detail what I need to do to get my lyrics copyrighted or registerd or whatever I need to do.  I have many lyrics to other peoples music (friends, professionals, internet, ect) so of course I cant copyright the music and the lyrics together because only the lyrics are mine.  I want to send some of my work in to a lable to try and get a record deal and someone told me that I need to first copyright my stuff, so thats what I'm trying to get done....thanks for the help.

[phil]

It would cost $30 per song. Go to U.S. Copyright Office website and follow the directions and you can get registration.