This practice is what my mentor called her "back up box". I worked as her assistant in the state Governor's office before going to college, and she is now employed by the City of New York. Anything that happens that she may be called to testify about or need proof of the date, she documents and sends a copy to herself, registered. It all goes unopened into her "back up box" at home, until the time it may be needed as proof.

As far as copyright, I have to deal with this in the arena of illustrations and graphics, not just lyrics. Any good selling design on a teeshirt or cap is bound to be ripped off. I have had to send cease and desist letters and demand payment from people who have stolen my designs and started using them on their product without paying me. I can produce the "first date of publication" from the records of the manufacturer who paid me for the first reproduction rights. If I have to deal with this, I also file the copyright with the copyright office. Now the fee is up to $30. I always put the date with © and my name or initials on anything that will be reproduced.

alice