As an independent artist, protecting your music is crucial. Copyright gives you the legal right to control how your original music is used, reproduced, distributed or performed.
It ensures you get credit and compensation for your work—and gives you legal power if someone uses your music without permission. Here’s how to copyright your music, step by step.
1. Understand what copyright is
Copyright is a legal protection automatically granted to original works of authorship, including songs, lyrics, and compositions. In most countries, including the UK, copyright exists from the moment you record or write down your song in a tangible form (like a demo or written lyrics). You don’t need to “apply” for copyright to have rights—it’s automatic.
However, registering your copyright officially can help enforce your rights in court and make it easier to prove ownership.
2. Fix your work in a tangible form
To be eligible for copyright, your song must be “fixed” in a tangible form. That means:
- Recording it as audio (even a rough demo counts)
- Writing out the lyrics or sheet music
Ideas in your head or songs you haven’t recorded don’t count.
3. Register with a copyright office (optional but recommended)
While UK copyright is automatic, registering with a copyright office can give you additional legal protection, especially if your music is used internationally. Here are two key options:
In the UK:
The UK does not have a central government copyright registration system. But you can:
- Use a trusted third-party service that timestamps and stores your work (e.g., PRS for Music’s work registration, or a private copyright registration service)
- Keep detailed records of your creation process (e.g., dated files, notes, emails)
In the US (useful for global protection):
You can register your music with the U.S. Copyright Office even if you’re not a U.S. resident. This gives you official documentation, which can be helpful in global disputes or legal claims.
Go to: www.copyright.gov
Fee: typically $45–$65 USD per application
You can register multiple songs in one submission if they’re unpublished or part of the same project.
4. Register your works with a performing rights organisation (PRO)
In the UK, register with PRS for Music (and also PPL if you’re a performer or own recordings). These organisations:
- Collect royalties when your music is played publicly, streamed, or broadcast
- Help protect your rights as a songwriter or performer
This doesn’t “create” copyright, but it ensures you get paid for usage.
5. Keep documentation
Even without formal registration, keep records of:
- Your recording sessions (timestamps, dates)
- Songwriting notes and drafts
- Emails, DMs, or cloud files with timestamps
This can help prove authorship if needed.
Copyright is automatic, but being proactive about protecting your music can save a lot of stress down the line. Whether you’re just starting out or preparing to release an album, make it part of your routine to document and register your work properly. Your creativity deserves to be protected.
