How to Copyright Your Songs, Poems and Lyrics

A copyright is exclusive legal right
that writers, lyricists & songwriters
have over their work. In the U.S.A.,
these rights are set out under the
Copyright Protection Act.

To protect your original songs and
lyrics, and to make sure that any and
all earned songwriting royalties end
up in your bank account, songwriters,
poets and lyricists usually want to
register the copyright for their work in
the U.S. Copyright Office, or in the
Copyright Office in the country where
you live, especially if you're in any
way concerned about having your

songs and lyrics compromised in any
way. Since most hit songs get airplay
in the U.S., registering your songs
and lyrics in the U.S. Copyright Office
is always a good idea.

Songwriting advisors usually suggest
that the best time to copyright and
protect your songs, lyrics & poems is
before you send them out, because
copyrighting your material will protect
your rights and alleviate any concerns
you may have.

If you would like want to start earning
songwriting royalties, and you're
ready to start sending out your songs
and lyrics to recording artists and

By Marianne Harper

How and When to Copyright Your Songs, Poems and Lyrics

record companies for their review
and consideration, it's a good idea to
protect your material by copyrighting
your songs, lyrics and poems before
they get too much exposure.

To get your Free Copyright Kit for
songwriters, poets & lyricists,
an all-in-one Free Copyright Kit that
includes everything you need to
copyright and protect your songs and
lyrics, from copyright forms to
step-by-step instructions, click here.

If you would like The Songwriter's
Copyright Center to prepare your
copyright forms for you, click here.