Copyright Registration for Songs & Music Albums, with attorney Tom James

Instructor: Cokato, Minnesota attorney Tom James 

This course explains the various ways that copyrights in music and sound recordings can be registered in the United States, with demonstrations of the process for each kind of application. 

Part I gives you an overview of the music copyright registration process and explains the meanings of critical terms you will need to know. This includes key concepts such as derivative work, work made for hire, publication, deposit, and best edition. Preregistration, adverse claim registration, filing methods, and fees are also covered. 

Part II lays out the eligibility requirements for each kind of application form -- the Single application, the Standard Application, Group Registration of Unpublished Works (GRUW), and Group Registration of an Album of Published Musical Works and/or Sound Recordings (GRAM). The GRAM application is new in 2021, and offers a way to save hundreds, potentially over a thousand dollars in filing fees. Mr. James also discusses registration of a group of songs as a collective work, the advantages and disadvantages, and the risks. 

Part 3 describes what happens, or can happen, after you file. Here you will learn how long you can expect to wait, how long you have to respond if the Copyright Office contacts you about an application, how you can challenge a denial of registration, and some things to consider before you do.

Finally, there is a concluding segment on Declarations of Ownership in Musical Works (DOMWs) -- what they are, when you should file them, how to complete them, and how and where to file them. 

$69*  

ON-DEMAND Click here to register

IMPORTANT NOTE: This course is for songwriters and others with an interest in music copyrights. It has not been accredited for continuing legal education credit for attorneys. If you wish to receive continuing legal education (CLE) credit, you should enroll in "Registering Copyrights in Music and Music Albums for Non-IP Attorneys."