How do I protect my songs before sharing them publicly?

 Why You Need Protection

Even though copyright exists automatically once you create a song, proving that you’re the creator (and when you created it) is key if someone steals or uses your work without permission.

 3 Core Ways to Protect Your Song

1. Document Your Creation

• Save your lyrics, voice memos, and demos
• Email them to yourself (with timestamps)
• Use cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox with date metadata

 This provides a basic record if a dispute arises.

2. Register With Your PRO

• PROs (like ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) let you register your song for performance royalty tracking
• Include:
• Song title
• Co-writer(s)
• Ownership percentages
• Publisher info (if any)

 This does NOT equal full legal copyright, but it connects your work to your public catalog.

3. File Copyright With the U.S. Copyright Office

• Best protection in the U.S. (required for lawsuits)
• Costs ~$45–$65 per song or group
• File online at copyright.gov
• Submit lyrics, audio, or both

 This is the strongest legal protection—it holds up in court.

 Optional: Use Trusted Services

• SongSecure, Songtrust, Cosynd — offer secure timestamped deposits of your works
• Some services also help track royalties and rights splits

 What NOT to Do

• Don’t rely on the “poor man’s copyright” (mailing yourself a CD and not opening it)—this is not legally valid
• Don’t post full lyrics or recordings online without a record of authorship
• Don’t co-write without a signed split sheet or clear agreement

 Pro Tip: Use Split Sheets

If you co-write:

• Document writer names, contact info, PRO info, and ownership %
• Get it signed ASAP after the session
• This prevents future legal headaches

 Takeaway:

Your song is your intellectual property. Protect it by documenting, registering, and filing properly—before sharing or pitching. You can be creative and cautious at the same time.