now only music, words later + copyrite

[Flash]

Most of the songs I have now are just the music. I hear some words in my head, but it seems, everytime I set down to write them, there not there vivid enough. I have a couple of friends that want to put words to my songs but, they want me to make a Cd for them to practise to. My concern is copyrite. Couldn't they just put words to my song and send it in for a copyrite then I'm screwed. Can I get a copyrite on just my music? Then add the words later and keep it copyrite?

 

[gec]

If that is your concerned then you need new friends bro........Yes you can copyright the instrumental and then later the words but they will have copyrights their not you.....then the composition which you will share.......

Choices: 1) Stay frustrated tryin to right shit



2) Realize that the chances of them making millions off that instrumental without a record deal is slim to none....


3) Let your music sit until it goes out of style and noone wants to write anythin to it


My advice: If your concerned then copywright the instrumental, then give out for them to write to......

 

[Robert D]

Just send yourself a copy of the songs first, via certified mail, and don't open it. That's all the proof you need. Remember, anything that is fixed (recorded) is copyrighted. The act of registering the copyright can wait till you have the words on there too.
Cheers, RD

 

[David Artis]

The mail to yourself will not hold up in court. Such an item went all the way to the supreme cout in th early 70's and the court refused to hear the case letting a lower court ruling preside that stated only the Office of Copyrights and Patents had legal right to these actions - not the postoffice or the person sending themselves the sealed mail.

If you are concerned just call the copyright office (there will be an 800 number in your phone book under govt. listings) and request the form for copyrighting music only. The form will be sent to you. Pack as many song on a tape or MP3's on a cd and mail it back with the fee they charge.

It takes forever to get anything back but if you send it with a return receipt you should be safe to then send your music to your "FRIENDS" who can then write the lyrics.

Unless you pay for there service and retain all rights they will then be co-writers of the song. This is a shared compiliation.

Don't be to parinoid. Just do these simple steps to protect yourself and then get on with making music.

Best of Luck,

David