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[UpNComin]

How do you copyright lyrics?  Is it the same as copyrighting poetry?

Thanks.

[M_Arthur_Auslander]

Dear UpNComin,

The first question is what do you want to acheive. The second is how can it be done.

Finding a publisher is usually the problem. The publisher usually takes care of the copyright. The concern then is the agreement with the publisher.

[nobody]

You don't need a traditional publisher to register your work, or publish it for that matter. Registering a valid copyright is nothing like securing a patent. Having a copyright certificate in hand, might be a nice idea even if consulting a publisher.

Lyrics by themselves could be registered on form TX just like poetry. Complete songs are usually registered on form PA. Recordings on SR.

http://www.nolo.com/lawstore/books/index.cfm

http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ1.html

[M_Arthur_Auslander]

Dear Nobody,

Getting a copyright is a nothing thing. What is the point of getting a copyright registered if the work is going nowhere.

Getting a publisher is the tough part. If you find a publisher, the publisher, in its own interest would be interested in registering the copyright. You have to have a good agreement with the publisher so you get your reward.

[nobody]

Dear Mr. Auslander,

If you walk into a publisher's office with copyright in hand, they will know right off the bat that you are not a fool. It may even provide a better bargaining position.

That said, what if you choose to self-publish. It is not such a wild idea these days. Registering, and using a notice accepted by Berne, puts you in a strong position to control use of your work. For a couple of examples, see:

http://www.lindaslyrics.com/default1.htm

http://www.dmusic.com

[M. Arthur Auslander]

Dear UpNComin.

I had a client with a copyight that went nowhere. Someone that saw the work liked it so much that the subject matter was used in a very commerciall sucessful way without any liability.

[M. Arthur Auslander]

Dear Nobody January 6,

You walk into a publisher with a work and copyright and they know that you don't know what you have to do to protect yourself.

IDEAS are not copyrightable.

[eric stasik]

Dear UpNComin,

You'll probably find all the answers you need at the U.S. Copyright Office's website

http://www.copyright.gov/

One comment, if you're writing hiphop lyrics resist the temptation to rip off other artists. As Snoop Dogg complains, It's like everwhere I look and everywhere I go, I'm seeing m-f's trying to steal my flow.

Be cool and be original. Be derivative and you may get yourself into trouble with other copyright owners.

Shizzle.

Regards,

[kevin_andrews2]

Guys, whatever you do, do NOT rely on the Poor Mans Copyright method.  I have been researching this (hence the reason I have found this website) and found a great site that explains how this method of "mailing it to yourself and not opening it" can be faked and may not be any use in court.    
That's here. http://www.copyrightauthority.com/poorman.htm   The site it's on is also quite helpful in explaining how copyright law works.   Good luck.

[M. Arthur Auslander]

Dear Kevin,

I hope people listen to your wisdom.

[nobody]

Mr. Auslander:

"You walk into a publisher with a work and copyright and they know that you don't know what you have to do to protect yourself."

Nonsense.

"IDEAS are not copyrightable."

And you interpreted my comments to mean that mere ideas are protectable?

Please identify one good reason not to register the work yourself. (Provided you know what you are doing.)

[M. Arthur Auslander]

Dear Nobody,

You just don't understand. What I am saying is that you usually look like and idiot walking into a publisher with a registered copyright. It's a waste of time, money and worry even though it does not cost much.

The idea you disclose to the publisher CANNOT be protected under the copyright law. If you had a confidientiality agreement that is another thing.

Try to get a publisher to sign one!!!!!!

[nobody]

"What I am saying is that you usually look like and idiot walking into a publisher with a registered copyright."

You interpret me too literally. I didn't say to walk into their office and toss it in their face ;-)

"The idea you disclose to the publisher CANNOT be protected under the copyright law."

Didn't say ideas were protected. But maybe they like a character I created. Maybe they misappropriate more than just an idea. You should preface your remark by saying "a reputable publisher." Anyway, as I indicated in my other reply, you are ignoring those who wish to self-publish. Should they publish without registering? That would be foolish.

[M. Arthur Auslander]

Dear Nobody,
Reputable publishers are less likely to take your manucript. They have too much. What is more I don't believe they would look, unless from an agent they are familiar with. Try to get an agent, it as hard as getting a publisher.
Self publication is a whole nother ballgame. Just self publishing and registering is ridiculous unless there is distribution and sales.

[Erica Galinski, Esq.]

Dear Nobody,

The question was clear, the answer was not.

Of course registering lyrics does not protect an idea, but it does protect those lyrics, which appears to be your aim.

As an independent creator registrations act as a form of business insurance.  The law gives particular legal benefits to those whose work is registered and subsequently infringed.  That is why corporations use it and it is why independents creators (whether they are artists, musicians, photographers, etc) should do likewise.

Indeed my law firm has turned down cases where creators work was ripped off by others in the entertainment industry because that creator did not have a registration.  When they do, we take the case  most of the time.  In fact, I found this site while researching an infringer.

Register.  It is cheap and it is easy.  You do not even need a lawyer to do it.

Erica Galinski, Esq.
Greenberg & Reicher, LLP.
50 East 42nd Street,
NY. NY 10017
(212)697-8777