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How to Locate a Song's Copyright

A copyright protects a song's melody and lyrics from being reproduced or used by someone else. The copyright exists as soon as the creator produces a tangible form of the song, such as a written or recorded version. Individuals or companies legally protect a song by registering it through the United States Copyright Office. When you purchase a CD or download a song from the Internet, the CD or website must display a public notice of the individual or company that claims ownership of the CD or song. A song's copyright can be found using Amazon MP3 or the U.S. Copyright Office website.

Instructions

  1. Searching Amazon

    • 1

      Go to Amazon and select "MP3 Downloads" from the "Search" drop-down menu.

    • 2

      Type the title of the song into the search field and click "Go."

    • 3

      Search through the results and click the correct song.

    • 4

      Scroll down and find the section labeled "Product Details." The song's copyright information is located in this section.

    Searching U.S. Copyright Office

    • 5

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

    • 6

      Click the "Search Records" button located at the top right of your screen.

    • 7

      Click "Search the Catalog" and then enter the title of the song into the search field.

    • 8

      Click "Begin Search." The database will list your results. If the the song title is not authentic, you may need to navigate through the results until you find the correct song.

    • 9

      View the copyright information. Listed is the type of work, date of registration, title, description, authorship and the rights and permissions.

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Songs & Lyrics

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