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How Can I Legally Record My Own CD?

With continual advances in computer-recording technology, it is relatively cheap and easy to record your own music at home or in a makeshift studio. But just because you wrote, performed and recorded the tracks doesn't mean the recording process was legally binding. To make sure your band's songs are protected, you need copyright protection, making the recordings legally recognized by the U.S. government. All the resources you need for legally recording your CD are available online.

Things You'll Need

  • Electronic copies of the CD
  • Credit card for $35 fee
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Instructions

    • 1

      Go to the "Forms" page at the U.S. Copyright Office website (see Resources).

    • 2

      Click the "Electronic Copyright Office" button. The U.S. Copyright Office recommends the electronic system for copyright application, but you can download the appropriate printable application forms if you prefer to apply via postal mail.

    • 3

      Click "Continue to eCO" after reading the privacy policy information.

    • 4

      Create a login name and password, then upload an electronic copy of the audio CD files you want to copyright. According to the U.S. Copyright Office, the ".wav" format commonly used on CD tracks is an acceptable file type. Other acceptable formats include ".mp3" and ".wma."

    • 5

      Enter your credit card information to pay the $35 application fee.

    • 6

      Expect to wait up to 6 weeks for your copyright approval. Do not distribute your CD until you have received copyright protection for the recordings; you do not want to risk losing the legal rights to your work while your copyright protection is pending.

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Recording Music

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