In order to copyright your song without music, you will need to submit the following to the U.S. Copyright Office:
- A completed application form (Form SR)
- A non-refundable filing fee of $35
- A copy of the lyrics or melody of your song
- A statement of ownership
Do you need to write down the music before applying for copyright?
No. You do not need to write down the music for your song in order to copyright it. You can simply submit the lyrics or melody. However, it is important to note that the copyright protection will only extend to the lyrics or melody that you submit. If you later write down the music, you will need to submit a new copyright application.
How long does it take to get a copyright for a song?
It typically takes about 3-5 months to receive a copyright registration from the U.S. Copyright Office.
What is the benefit of registering a copyright for a song?
Copyright protection gives you the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and perform your song. This means that you can control how your song is used and can prevent others from using it without your permission.
Can I copyright a song that I wrote with someone else?
Yes. If you wrote a song with someone else, you can both register the copyright for the song. However, you will need to submit a separate copyright application for each co-author.