Copyrighting?

[littlebit]

If you write a song, does mailing a copy to yourself still cover you in the case of copyrighting it? I know you can register for an official copyright but we don't always have the money. With proof, you can usually win in court if needed. Years ago, the advice was to mail it to yourself and file it away sealed in the envelope. The postmark covers the date for proof of when you wrote it.

[songbird]

I haven't heard about mailing it to yourself and leaving it sealed.

I email it back to myself and leave it unread in a separate folder so the digital time stamp can be evidenced if it needs to

[EvilEyedFreak]

Having the page notarized would probably serve the same purpose. Then put the copy of the song in your safety deposit box or some where safe.

[littlebit]

The mailing it to yourself was the cheapest way before the computer age. It needed to be left sealed as proof due to the date on the postmark. I like the emailing it to yourself but I'm not sure it would hold up as well as there are ways to fudge the timestamp, if you know what you're doing.

I agree that a notarized copy is an excellent choice, as well, but unless you know a notary, that will cost you some cash. Very good idea if you have a song that you really think will hit big, though.

[byrdie]

II think it must be quite easy to fake a sealed envelope if you put your mind to it. I have loads of old envelopes around addressed to me, what would stop me putting something in one and re-sealing it, if I wanted to pretend an earlier copyright? I would be amazed if this would stand up in court!

I think it's better to keep hold of all your draft work, scratchings and so on - that kind of stuff proves the thought process was yours. Difficult one this.

[Mooncat]

Hi ,

Posting to yourelf it still ok, (Recorded Delivery) why not put a page of a daily paper in there too, with the date on it.

[Spike Stevens]

It used to be known as the poor man's copyright, posting it to yourself. However, it is still one of the most cost-effective methods of proving you own the copyright - providing you send it by recorded delivery (which means you have to sign for it when the postman delivers).
As Mooncat suggests, put in a page from that day's newspaper and there you have it: proof that you and you alone hold the copyright.
Also, if you're not a member for crying out loud join the PRS. All of my songs are registered with them.

[djembedrumshop]

What about Creative Commons licensing?

You can see videos on youtube about it.

Chris

[micheljohn]

It Should check

[andymusic]

PRS & MCPS (as it was known) is about the best - £150 if you want to protect your work when I joined