20 Dec
2005
20 Dec
'05
2:12 p.m.
Hi,
Sorry, but this is incorrect. Since 1998 any
piece of music that has been
published (this is a very loose term which includes
putting it on a CD and
handing it to a friend) is automatically
copyrighted. You may register this
copyright with the US Copyright Office but this is
not required. If you do wish
to register the copyright all you need is a cassette
tape and a copy of the
lyrics (if any).
Copyright registration has been on my mind lately. I
believe single and bulk (album) song registrations
cost $30.00. That is expensive when you consider how
the internet has shaped publishing and distribution.
Any of us can write, publish and distribute a song in
a single day. I don't think anyone wants to pay $30.00
for every registration.
The $30.00 registration purchases legally acceptable
evidence of ownership that is presentable in a court
of law. It is a record of proof but it's not
exclusive.
We used to do the poor man's registration by mailing
evidence, songs on a cassette with lyrics, back to
ourselves in a registered U.S. Postal package. That's
more affordable but inconvienant.
I want to publish with a free service on the internet
that establishes an equivalent to the poor man's
registration. Is this happening yet?
ron
Jan
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