copyright a CD vs individual songs

Check out Creative Commons. http://creativecommons.org/
Here is an example of a CC license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/
If you post your songs on SoundClick they give you the option of using CC. A lot of folks hear use it. Also, Sound click is a good way to show off your tunes and its free also.--ken

I am not sure what "Creative Commons" is but I'll have to check out that link.

I can, sort of, answer you questions though because I have been going through this alot too. Also, BTW it is $45 per song. Sent in my first Copyright application yesterday.

First you need to decide what type of copyright you are applying for. A PA form would cover your lyrics and arrangement. A SR is for a recorded version of the song. So, say you write a song and include the sheet music for it. You would send that in with a completed PA form and $45 bucks (dont send the original). Say later, you record that song. You would then send in the CD, a completed SR form, and $45 bucks.

As to why you couldnt go back and file later for an individual song, well because it is going to be dated with the date that the copyright office recieves the material. So, it would have a copyright date but it wouldnt be the correct date.

But basically, from what I understand, your material is YOUR material from the date you create it. The reason for all this run around is it gives you a definate documented resource to go back to should you find yourself in court because someone else claims the song.

So, in a sense I guess how you do it all depends on how much "protection" you want.

Now I am off to find out more about "Creative Commons"

Oh and as always, please dont take my word for it.. I am a nobody.. This is just the way I understand it to work.

Jim

Thank you both for your advice. I looked through the FAQ's on the Creative Commons website and they specifically mention that their license is not a substitute for a formal copyright. $45!? Wow, that's quite a jump in price.