A really dumb copyright question

[loserfer]

So lets say I write a song, and want to post it online so as to get feedback. Does just saying "this song is mine, copyright ronnie ransom" make it legally mine and give me suing rights or whatever or is this just a scare tactic and I need to actually go through a process to make it legal? Now this isn't to say any of my stuff is worth stealing, but I can't help but think back to that time my friend told me that I should copyright my song "hit me darling one more time" ( )

...

ok, that was a stupid joke but the point is you never know what dumb ass song could make money and if one of my dumb ass songs is gonna make any money, I'd prefer to be the one making the money, and otherwise I will simply keep my music to myself.

Thanks a lot,
-ronnie

 

[scrubs]

Technically, the song (or any creative work) is copyrighted the moment it is created. However, for legal disputes, having the work registered with the copyright office (Library of Congress) is the important thing. If someone registers your song with the copyright office before you do, they'll have a much stronger case in court. Postmarks, internet postings, etc. have little legal weight.

 

[loserfer]

Wow, that was quick, thank you!

-ronnie