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Protect your musical compositions and recordings with comprehensive copyright registration.
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Copyright Music
Protect your musical compositions and recordings with comprehensive copyright registration.
Overview
When you have a catchy melody and words that perfectly capture a situation, you can't wait to put them together in a song. As soon as you finish something, you want to broadcast it to the world. Hold on, and before you do anything else, ask yourself, ‘Do you need to copyright song?’
The simple answer is no, you do not. You have the legal right to make copies of your song once you have written the lyrics and recorded it. As soon as you record your song, you own the rights to it. However, there is a catch: rights are not unqualified. There is no way to prove that you wrote that song, even with a recording.
When this happens, copyright registration can help. By registering your song's copyright, you can:
Play that song anywhere, anytime
Make money by making copies of that song and selling them
Get paid if someone else uses that song.
Good News!
Copyright protection is automatic once your song is recorded. However, registration provides additional legal benefits and proof of ownership.
Two Types of Music Copyright
Musical Composition
Covers the underlying song, melody, harmony, and lyrics
Sound Recording
Covers the actual recording of the song performance
Copyright Protection
Copyright protection is a legal right that gives the owner of an original work exclusive rights to its use and distribution. In the context of music, copyright protection applies to both the musical composition (the melody, harmony, and lyrics) and the sound recording (the performance of the composition).
What Music Is Eligible for Copyright Protection?
To be eligible for copyright protection, a musical work must be original and fixed in a tangible medium of expression. This means that the work must be created by the author and not copied from someone else, and it must be recorded in some way, such as in sheet music, a recording, or a digital file.
Benefits of Song Copyright
Copyright music registration protects authors from financial loss. Copyright protection prevents losses from duplicated works.
Piracy is copyright infringement. These unauthorized reproductions cause huge losses to publishers and artists.
Song copyright registration provides legal protection. Registered works are protected, and ownership can be proven in court.
Copyright protection deters others from using your work without permission. Send a ‘cease and desist’ notice if someone copies your work.
Copyright law encourages creativity and innovation by ensuring creators profit from their efforts.
Copyright registration protects creators' reputations by preventing poor-quality copies of their work.
Copyright protection gives the holder the prestige of owning a creative work.
Documents Required for Copyright Music in India
Two soft copies of the work
Demand draft
NOC from publisher
NOC from the author (if the applicant is not the author)
How to Copyright Music on YouTube?
Enable Content ID
YouTube’s Content ID system allows you to claim ownership of your music and set rules for how it can be used.
Use a music distribution service like CD Baby or TuneCore to register your music with global databases.
Use a music licensing service such as Audiam or Songtrust to license your music to others.
Use a copyright watermark or logo on your music to identify yourself as the owner.
Note: YouTube copyright protection is automatic, but the above steps enhance enforcement and management of rights.
How to Copyright Music in India Online?
Step 1: Obtain Form XIV
Download from the Copyright Office website.
Step 2: Fill Form XIV with title, description, owner details, and contributors.
Step 3: Pay the prescribed fee along with the application.
Step 4: Obtain No Objection Certificate (NOC) from other authors, lyricists, or composers if applicable.
Step 5: Sign the Form XIV before submission.
Step 6: Send the application to the Registrar of Copyrights by post or file it online.
Step 7: Notice to interested parties
The applicant must notify anyone with a claim in the work.
Step 8: Registrar’s Enquiry
If satisfied with details and no objection arises within 30 days, registration proceeds.
Step 9: Objection to Application
Registrar conducts hearings if objections are raised.
Step 10: Registration of Copyright
Completed when the Registrar signs and records the entry in the Register.
Types of Copyright Music
Musical Composition
Covers the underlying song, melody, harmony, and lyrics. Grants the right to reproduce, distribute, and perform the work.
Sound Recording
Covers the actual recording of the song performance. Grants the right to reproduce, distribute, and perform the recording.
Term of Copyright
The term of copyright protection for music varies by country. In India, the copyright in a musical composition lasts for the life of the author plus 60 years. For sound recordings, it lasts for 60 years from the year of publication.
Ownership in a Song
The ownership of a song depends on who wrote, recorded, and published it. Typically, songwriters own the musical composition, and record labels or artists own the sound recording. Copyright protection is automatic but registration provides legal advantages, including the right to sue for infringement. Permission must be obtained before others use your work.
Why LegalDhara?
From start to finish, IP experts will assist you throughout the process.
Experts will handle document filing and application submission on your behalf.
The entire process is online and user-friendly through a secure dashboard.
Data and project security are taken very seriously.
Dedicated support team available for any queries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to copyright my song?
No, copyright protection exists automatically once your song is recorded. However, registration provides proof of ownership and enhances legal protection.
What is the benefit of copyright registration for music?
It helps prove ownership, prevents unauthorized use, and allows you to take legal action against infringement.
Can I copyright music on YouTube?
Yes. You can use YouTube’s Content ID system, music distribution, or licensing services to protect your music and manage rights online.
What documents are required for song copyright registration in India?
Two soft copies of the work, demand draft, and NOCs from the publisher and author (if applicable).
How long does copyright last for music in India?
Copyright in a musical composition lasts for the author’s lifetime plus 60 years. For sound recordings, it lasts 60 years from publication.
Can I register music online in India?
Yes. You can register music online through the Copyright Office’s official website using Form XIV and required documents.
What are the two types of copyright in music?
Musical Composition and Sound Recording. Each provides exclusive rights for reproduction, distribution, and performance.
Why choose LegalDhara for copyright registration?
LegalDhara simplifies the registration process with expert guidance, secure handling, and full online assistance.
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