HOW TO PROTECT YOUR MUSIC AND ROYALTIES

The moment you create your music or lyrics and fix it in a tangible format, it is protected under the United States Copyright Laws. However, if you wish to sue someone for copyright infringement and recover substantial damages, you will need to register your work with the United States Copyright Office. 

Follow these steps to ensure that your music is property protected and that you receive royalties from any public performances of your music:

STEP I : COMPLETE THESE ITEMS FIRST

1. Create an account at eCO—the Electronic Copyright Office - www.eco.copyright.gov.
2. Choose a composition Performing Rights Organization (PRO) - ASCAP (ascap.com), BMI (bmi.com), and SESAC (sesac.com)
3. Register as a publisher with the composition PRO (ASCAP, BMI or SESAC).
4. Register as a songwriter with the composition PRO (ASCAP, BMI or SESAC).

STEP 2 - REGISTER SONG(s) WITH THE US COPYRIGHT OFFICE

1. Register each song at www.copyright.gov using the PA form.The PA Form is used for the composition of the song.  The version of the song that you can see in writing. 
2. Register each sound recording at www.copyright.gov using the SR form. The SR form is used for the sound recording of the song.  The version of the song that you can hear.
3. Register yourself as a publisher at the composition PRO (ASCAP, BMI or SESAC).
4. Register yourself as a songwriter at the composition PRO (ASCAP, BMI or SESAC).
5. Register the sound recording as a sound recording owner at SoundExchange.
6. Register the sound recording as a performer at SoundExchange.

OPTIONAL REGISTRATIONS

1. Register the copyright for the cover art.
2. Register the copyright for the lyrics.
3. Generate split sheets at https://songsplits.com/