How to Copyright Your Song in 2025: A Guide for Musicians
Presented by Rocky Mountain Music Society, an Affiliate of Easy Song
What is Copyright?
Copyright is a vital legal protection for creators of original artistic works, including music. Under U.S. copyright law, music creators are granted six exclusive rights that protect their work from unauthorized use. These rights ensure that only you, the creator, have control over how your music is used, from recording and distributing to performing and playing it publicly.
The Six Exclusive Rights of Copyright Ownership
As a copyright owner, you have six exclusive rights:
- Reproduce – You have the sole right to make copies of your music.
- Create Derivative Works – You control any adaptations or transformations of your song.
- Distribute Copies – You decide how your music is distributed, including physical and digital copies.
- Perform Publicly – You control where and how your music is performed in public settings.
- Display Publicly – You have the exclusive right to display your music in public, such as in sheet music or artwork.
- Transmit Digitally – You decide how your music is transmitted online, such as streaming or downloads.
What is Copyright Registration?
While copyright protection is automatic the moment your music is fixed in a tangible form (written down, recorded, etc.), registering your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office gives you stronger legal protections. Registration allows you to pursue a copyright infringement lawsuit and access potential damages. It also officially records your music with the Library of Congress, preserving it for future generations.
How to Copyright Your Original Music
You can register your music directly with the United States Copyright Office, but using a trusted company and service like Easy Song can streamline the process. Easy Song makes it faster, safer, and more affordable for you to protect your work with the US Copyright Ofice, leaving you free to focus on creating music!
Your options for filing a Copyright in the U.S.
- Do not register your works. We don't recommend this.
- Register your works directly with the United States Copyright Office. Pay $45 - $85 in federal filing fees. *Note - you could have to pay federal filing fees twice if you don't file 100% correctly the first time.
- Hire a trusted and affordable service like Easy Song to help you register your works with the USCO. Pay the lowest possible USCO federal filing fee plus a small fee charge for their services. Save time and headaches, and reduce risk. We promise it’s well worth it!
Why Should I Register My Copyright?
When you register your music with the U.S. Copyright Office, you establish yourself as the official owner. This registration gives you "prima facie" evidence of ownership. In legal terms, "prima facie" (meaning "on its face") means that you are automatically presumed to be the original creator of the work. If someone challenges your ownership, they must prove that the music isn’t yours. For serious music creators who want to protect their intellectual property and their business, registering with the Copyright Office is a crucial step.
To dive deeper into the concept of prima facie evidence and how it protects you, visit their Help Center.
Why use a trusted 3rd party to copyright a song?
While some songwriters enjoy handling the business side of their music career, many prefer to focus solely on their craft. For those who don’t want to deal with the complexities of music business management, Easy Song is an excellent choice. They take care of the legal and financial back-end of your music, so you can stay focused on what you do best—creating music. Easy Song’s excellent customer service and reliable processes make it a trusted partner for any musician.
Still Have Questions?
If you’re uncertain about the copyright registration process or how Easy Song can help protect your work, feel free to reach out on their website at EasySong.com. They are always happy to help.
Protect your music and your future today—make copyright registration a priority!