Academy/How to Copyright Your Music
Legal & Copyright
Beginner

How to Copyright Your Music

This comprehensive course will guide you through everything you need to know about copyrighting your music. From understanding the basics of copyright law to navigating the registration process, you'll learn how to protect your creative works and maximize your revenue potential. Perfect for independent artists, songwriters, and producers who want to take control of their intellectual property.

6 episodes
2.5 hours
1,247 students
4.8 rating

What You'll Learn

  • Understand the fundamentals of music copyright law
  • Learn the difference between composition and sound recording copyrights
  • Master the step-by-step copyright registration process
  • Discover how to enforce your copyright and protect your work
  • Maximize revenue through proper copyright management
  • Navigate legal challenges and protect your intellectual property

Course Curriculum

6 episodes • 2.5 hours total length

Episode 1
25:30
How to Copyright Your Music - Overview
Kick off your journey with a bird's-eye view of everything you'll master in How To Copyright Your Music. In this opening episode, we'll explain why copyright registration is the single most powerful tool an independent artist can wield—how it cements your ownership, unlocks licensing revenue, and gives you the legal firepower to defend your art.
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Episode 2
22:15
Introduction to Copyrights
Get grounded in the fundamentals of copyright law for music. In this episode, we define what a copyright is, walk through the U.S. legal framework, and explore why formally registering your music is the single best move you can make to protect your creative rights and future earnings.
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Episode 3
28:45
Types of Copyrights for Music
Did you know there are two separate copyrights for music? Tune in as we unpack composition vs. sound recording copyrights, explain who holds each right, and why registering both is essential to control how your songs—and recordings—are used, streamed, and monetized.
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Episode 4
31:20
How to Copyright Your Music
Ready to lock in your ownership? We guide you step by step through choosing what to register (single song vs. album), filling out the correct forms (SR for recordings, PA for compositions), paying fees, and submitting your work—so you can hit "publish" with confidence.
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Episode 5
26:10
Benefits of Copyrighting Your Work
Copyright isn't just paperwork—it's your ticket to revenue. Discover how registered copyrights protect your ownership, pave the way for sync and mechanical licensing deals, and act as a legal shield against infringers trying to profit off your art.
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Episode 6
29:40
Enforcing Your Copyright
What happens when someone steals your sound? We cover how to spot unauthorized uses, draft and send DMCA takedown notices, and, when necessary, pursue legal action—including suing for statutory damages—to defend what you've created.
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Your Instructor

Music Industry Expert

Experienced music industry professional with over 15 years in copyright law and artist development.

Music Business Consultant
Copyright Specialist
Artist Development Coach
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