How to Copyright Your Songs in the USA, Canada, and the EU

What’s A Copyright?

Copyright is the exclusive legal right granted to creators of original works, including music. It gives the owner the ability to reproduce, distribute, perform, and license their work. Copyright protection applies automatically once a song is fixed in a tangible medium (recorded or written down), but registering your copyright provides stronger legal protection.

Why Register Your Copyright?

Legal Proof of Ownership: A registered copyright provides a legal presumption that you own the song.

Enforceable Rights: You cannot sue for copyright infringement unless your work is registered.

Potential for Statutory Damages: In legal disputes, registration allows you to claim damages and attorney fees.

Do You Need to Register in Countries Outside of Your Own?

You do not necessarily need to register in every country—your song is automatically protected in many countries under the Berne Convention, which includes 181 countries (including the USA, Canada, and the EU). This means that once you register your song in your home country, your copyright is recognized internationally.

Practical Approach for Most Artists

For most musicians, the best first step is to register your song in your home country. Thanks to international agreements like the Berne Convention, this single registration will offer automatic copyright recognition in over 180 countries. If your music has strong international potential—or if you’re doing business in multiple countries—you may also want to consider registering in those specific regions for added legal coverage.

Additional Tips for Protecting Your Music

Use Digital Copyright Services: Websites like SongSecure, TuneCore, or WIPO Proof provide digital timestamping to prove ownership.

Publish Your Music: Releasing your song through streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube creates a public record of your work.

Join a Performing Rights Organization (PRO): In addition to copyright, registering with ASCAP, BMI, SOCAN, or PRS for Music helps you collect royalties.

Keep Records: Maintain dated drafts, recordings, or emails that document your creative process.

How to Copyright a Song in the USA

Step 1: Record or Write Down Your Song
To be eligible for copyright protection, your song must be in a fixed format—such as an audio recording or sheet music.

Step 2: Register with the U.S. Copyright Office

Go to the Copyright Office Website – Visit www.copyright.gov.
Create an Account – Register an account in the Electronic Copyright Office (eCO) system.
Fill Out the Application – Provide details about the song, including the title, author, and ownership details.
Submit a Copy of Your Song – Upload a digital copy or send a physical copy.
Pay the Fee – Fees typically range from $45 to $85 depending on the type of registration.
Receive Your Certificate – After processing (which can take several months), you will receive an official copyright certificate.

How to Copyright a Song in Canada

Step 1: Record or Write Down Your Song
Just like in the U.S., your work must be in a tangible form to qualify for copyright protection.

Step 2: Register with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)

Visit the CIPO Website – Go to www.ic.gc.ca/cipo.
Create an Account – Sign up through CIPO’s online system.
Complete the Application – Enter details about the work, the author, and ownership rights.
Submit a Copy of Your Song – Upload a recording or sheet music.
Pay the Registration Fee – The standard fee is $50 CAD.
Receive Confirmation – After processing, you’ll receive an official copyright certificate.

Although registration is not mandatory for copyright protection in Canada, it strengthens your ability to enforce your rights in court.

How to Copyright a Song in the EU

Step 1: Understand EU Copyright Law
The EU operates under the Berne Convention, meaning copyright protection is automatic when a song is created. However, unlike in the U.S. and Canada, there is no centralized EU copyright registration system.

Step 2: Consider Alternative Copyright Protection Methods
Since there is no official government registration, musicians in the EU often use:

PRS for Music (UK) – www.prsformusic.com – A collective rights management organization that helps protect and collect royalties.
SACEM (France) – www.sacem.fr – France’s equivalent of PRS for Music.
GEMA (Germany) – www.gema.de – Germany’s copyright and licensing organization.
Certified Timestamp Services – Some artists use digital timestamping services to prove ownership, such as WIPO’s Proof Service.

Step 3: Register with a National Copyright Office (Optional)
Some EU member states allow copyright registration with local offices. You may check with your country’s intellectual property office for specific options.