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How to Register a Song Title

A copyright is a right granted by the government to the creator of an original piece of music. If you have an original song that you want to copyright, you will need to contact the U.S. Copyright Office. This is the only sure way to protect your song from others who may attempt to copy or make money off of it.

Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure that the melody to your song, if you have one, is original and not too similar to another copyrighted song. The song title to your song can be anything that you desire. For example, anyone can copyright a song titled "Love."

    • 2

      Go to http://www.copyright.gov. Click on the "Electronic Copyright Office" icon under "How To Register A Work."

    • 3

      Click on the "Electronic Copyright Office" icon next to the words "Login to eCO."

    • 4

      Read the security and privacy information and click on the "Continue to eCO" button.

    • 5

      Click on the "If you are a new user, click here to register" link. Enter your personal information, preferable user ID and password on the following page. Click on the "Next" button.

    • 6

      Enter your contact information and click on the "Next" button.

    • 7

      Read the Usage Terms and click on the "Next" button. Click on the "Finish" button on the following page.

    • 8

      Click the "Register a New Claim" link under Copyright Services in the window on the left side of the screen.

    • 9

      Click on the "Start Registration" button. On the following page, click on the "Type of Work" bar and choose "Work of the Performing Arts."

    • 10

      Continue to fill out all the appropriate information on your song, including the title, author and whether or not it is published. Pay the necessary fee. You should receive your copyright by mail.

    • 11

      Download form PA and mail it in with the appropriate fee to the U.S. Copyright Office if you do not want to register your song online.

Songs & Lyrics

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