Copyrights for Musicians
🎵 Copyright Registration Decision Tree
Did you write the song?
❌ No → You cannot register the composition (only the recording if you made it).
✅ Yes → Continue ↓
Did you also record it yourself?
✅ Yes → Register both in one application:
Select “Sound Recording”
Include “Musical Work”
Upload audio file
Pay $65
❌ No → Continue ↓
Who owns the recording?
✅ You → Register the Sound Recording separately ($65).
Co‑writers register the Musical Work separately ($45 or $65).
❌ Someone else (label/other artist) →
You register the Musical Work (Form PA).
They register the Sound Recording (Form SR).
âś… Quick Rule of Thumb
Same person wrote & recorded → One combined registration ($65).
Different people involved → Separate registrations.
Covers & label‑owned masters → Only register what you actually own.
As musicians, writers, and composers, we have to realize that our work is our business, our calling, and our dreams. Copyright laws are our way of proving we actually own the fruits of our labor. We have to try to understand the laws that can protect our creative rights.
(MY DISCLAIMER)
I am not an attorney. I have been in the music business for over 5 decades and made mistakes and learned the hard way. Taking care of the not-so-fun part of the music business is as important at the creative part. My suggestion to you is do your own research or contact a music industry attorney and make the proper decision.
These notes contained in this section will give you an idea of how to determine what you might need to do.
The "Decision Tree" below will let you know what to file and which form to use with the U.S. Copyright Office
🎤 Recording Cover Songs — What You Need to Know
Thinking of recording a song that’s already been released by another artist? That’s called a cover, and it comes with special rules. You don’t own the composition, but you do own your recording of it. To release a cover legally, you’ll need a mechanical license first — then you can register your recording with the Copyright Office. Follow the decision tree below to see exactly what steps apply to your situation.
What about recording cover songs?
Did you write the song?
❌ No → You cannot register the composition (lyrics/music belong to the original songwriter).
✅ Yes → This is not a cover; follow the original song registration tree.
Do you want to record/release a cover version?
✅ Yes → Continue ↓
Is the song already published/released by another artist?
✅ Yes → You must obtain a mechanical license before distributing your recording.
Services like Harry Fox Agency (HFA) or Loudr/Songfile provide clearance.
This license allows you to reproduce and distribute the song legally.
What can you register with the Copyright Office?
❌ You cannot register the composition (belongs to the original songwriter).
âś… You can register your sound recording (your performance/production of the cover).
Use Form SR for the recording.
Fee: $65 (standard application).
Who owns what?
Original songwriter → Owns the musical work (Form PA).
You → Own the sound recording (Form SR) of your cover.
Label (if applicable) → May own the master if you signed a contract.
âś… Quick Rule of Thumb
Covers = license first, then register your recording.
You never own the composition of a cover.
You do own your recording of the cover.
đź“Ś Mechanical License Resources
Musicians can secure licenses from these organizations:
Harry Fox Agency (HFA) → Major clearinghouse for mechanical licenses.
Songfile (by HFA) → Online tool for individual musicians to license covers easily.
Easy Song Licensing → Independent service that helps musicians clear cover songs quickly.
Loudr (now part of Spotify) → Used to offer licensing for covers distributed online.