checking on copyright

Subject: checking on copyright
From: GUEST,carolyn
Date: 07 Apr 09 - 03:29 PM

Is there an easy way to check on whether a song has been copyrighted? My stepdad wrote a song that he thinks he did the right things to copyright it, but isn't sure. Can I make some kind of a search somewhere?

Subject: RE: checking on copyright
From: Leadfingers
Date: 07 Apr 09 - 03:35 PM

Which Country are you ? PRS would be first point of call in UK .

Subject: RE: checking on copyright
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Apr 09 - 03:39 PM

I'm in USA, in California

Subject: RE: checking on copyright
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 07 Apr 09 - 03:46 PM

It would be very foolish for someone to post advice to this thread...and expose themselves to possible litigation.

Carol - use a search engine - "copyright lawyer" - your city, state. A consultation is free.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: checking on copyright
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Apr 09 - 03:49 PM

geez, isn't there a list somewhere or something?

Subject: RE: checking on copyright
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Apr 09 - 03:59 PM

In the UK, you just need to put it in print and post it to yourself as a registered letter. Leave it un-opened & claim copyright.   If anyone questions it you can open the (dated) letter in front of a laywer. At least that is what I was told 20 years ago & that is what I have done.....maybe I haven't a leg to stand on....or maybe I am just legless......

Subject: RE: checking on copyright
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 07 Apr 09 - 04:11 PM

GUEST AKA carolyn

Post the steps that were taken when you write:he thinks he did the right things to copyright it

The year and state/county at the time would also help.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Without a map a compass is not much help in navigation

Subject: RE: checking on copyright
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Apr 09 - 04:13 PM

Note that is COUNTY not Country

Subject: RE: checking on copyright
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Apr 09 - 04:32 PM

That letter bit is nonsense. An old wives tale.

Guests, please use a uniform name when you post or one of the clones will delete your messages.

What is the problem with the song in question? Has someone else performed it and not given credit or payment? Is it simply a song written and performed by your stepdad or does it have legs and a history?

Publishing something is usually enough these days, to kick copyright into gear. But where to publish would be the question. Or do you want to file for copyright with forms, etc, and are you will to pay fees. I'm sure there are more questions I could list, but I'll stop here for now.

To begin with, get a copy of the most current Writer's Market, put out annually by Writer's Digest magazine. It's a big thick book that will have basic copyright information for all sorts of written materials. They also have spinoff books for poetry, etc., and you could look there as well. Barnes and Noble, Amazon, all sorts of bookstores big and small should have it. They have a web presence also, but I think the book would be easier overall. I suspect a trip down the Barnes and Noble and some quiet time reading the book with a cuppa coffee will answer some of your more pressing questions.

If you're dealing with infringement, then you have a larger problem and then you need an attorney, as Gargoyle said.

SRS

Subject: RE: checking on copyright
From: jeffp
Date: 07 Apr 09 - 04:46 PM

Since you are in the United States, you might find useful information at the Library of Congress or the United States Copyright Office.

Good luck.

Subject: RE: checking on copyright
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Apr 09 - 06:39 PM

The book - Writer's Market - noted by Stilly River Sage is available through your local public library.

Subject: RE: checking on copyright
From: GUEST,zebra
Date: 08 Apr 09 - 04:46 PM

There is a list-- go to to the Library of Congress Copyright Office website, it is possible to search formal registrations. (http://www.copyright.gov) However, just because it doesn't appear on the list of registrations does not necessarily mean that the song doesn't have a copyright.

If it isn't on the list, to figure out the answer some critical questions to answer are:
When did he write it?
Did he ever publish it?
Did anyone ever perform it?
If he published it, was it marked "copyright Carolyn's dad," etc.?
If he published it, was it in the United States or somewhere else?