3 Things Every Artist Should Know About Copyright | Jamplified Records

3 Things Every Artist Should Know About Copyright

Share:

Copyright law is one of the most important things a singer/songwriter should know - it is the foundation of your music career. Without it, anyone could do as they please with your music, and your career would be nothing but a hobby.

Here are 3 things every artist should know about copyright:

1) How to copyright your songs:

The creator of a song automatically receives copyright the moment the song has been recorded or transcribed on paper with chords, melody and lyrics.

2) How to protect your copyright:

As mentioned above, copyright is automatic from the moment there is a record of the creation. However, it is best that songwriters and artists take the necessary steps to ensure they have evidence that the work was created at a particular time. For example, you can send yourself a copy of your creation by delivery post - the date will be indicated by the stamp.

Another way to ensure your copyright is protected is to register it with a national intellectual property office, like JIPO in Jamaica.

3) Your rights as a copyright owner:

As a copyright owner, you have exclusive rights to do (and to authorize others to do) the following:

  • Copy the music
  • Issue, lend or rent copies to the public
  • Communicate the music to the public, for example broadcasting it via TV, radio or internet.

Never miss another blog post

Click below to be notified when our tips and guides are published.