copyrights

Posted on May 18, 2007 02:47 am
aquateen_force
Member Since: May 11, 2007

2 questions, is copyrighting your songs worth it, or is the mailing the songs to yourself-way just as good

pjk
Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004

May 18, 2007 07:25 am

that one's been bantered about quite recently on here, a quick search above should shed light on a few opinions regarding that.

Personally, I'm thinking the chance of someone stealing your music is pretty slim. And if you're making music that will be aired on radio/etc, then you're probably with a group that can handle the legal end.

my .02$us

dbmasters
Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

May 18, 2007 07:33 am

I have usually done the "mail it to myself" route, as I don't suspect it will be ripped off by anyone that will actually profit from it...but it's a small safety net and has worked in the past for people.

Once I did do the real method.

Never needed to defend any...

If you have time stamps on your files at the time of creation, that will even work at times.

Noize2u
Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

May 18, 2007 04:12 pm

I have done both as well. The legal full route when someone else is paying. And for myself the mail and time stamp works just fine. Again, I have never had to use it. Although Tuna just downloaded a dance mix that has some elements that were part of an extended mix I did for a DJ about 7 years ago. I may persue my first copywrite infringement with that if I can find out that he is selling it.

VCRobP
Member
Since: May 10, 2007

May 18, 2007 04:27 pm

I always do Form SR. Just in case!

Noize2u
Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

May 18, 2007 06:50 pm

I think one thing we should mention is this. If you are intending to sell your music and make money with it. A good copywrite is something that may in the end be worth it. Although the mail and time stamp method will and has held up in court, it also has not. From what I understand it has held up more then not though. So if you are producing music that is going to be on the open market worldwide or even national then it might well be worth a look at the pay for version.

zekthedeadcow
Eat Spam before it eats YOU!!!
Member
Since: May 11, 2002

May 18, 2007 08:01 pm

civil litigation I think is preponderance of the evidence... like military crimlaw... thats how OJ is and isn't guilty.

You're not trying to put them in jail for copyright infringement you just want damages, so there is a lighter burden of proof.

My guess is that if you have a DIY copyright and fans that know you played it live it would be easier than just a DIY copyright, etc.

aquateen_force
Member
Since: May 11, 2007

May 19, 2007 01:54 am

thanks for the input, another question, if you want your music to be played on radio ect., wouldn't you want to not copyright it, because, correct me if i'm wrong, radio stations have to pay to play copyrited music so, i guess they would therefore be less inclined to play it?

olddog
Member
Since: Jul 02, 2003

May 19, 2007 03:05 am

One thing to consider though, if you wish to file an infringement suit, it is required that the material be registered with the copyright office. (in the USA) You can of course register at any time though it's harder to prove ownership if the work was not registered within 5 years of completion. If you do register within the 5 year period that is considered prima facie evidence in a court of law.

Dan

Noize2u
Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

May 19, 2007 04:51 pm

Also, you can choose not to have the radio stations pay royalties if you wish. By giving them the music as promotional copy only they are not obligated to pay any royalties until you so desire. You must however make sure the disc and cover materials state that it is for promotional use only, and not for resale.