The following is the text of a document I got from those lovely people at Kingsway Music which lays out a laymans view of copyright that even I can understand......... This document is reproduced here without permission, so I'm probably infringing their copyright anyway!!!
KINGSWAY MUSIC AND THANKYOU MUSIC
COPYRIGHT AND THE SONGWRITER
How do I copyright my songs?
In the UK a songwriter's work is automatically covered by copyright law, and there is
no legal or official procedure to follow. However, in the event of dispute a writer may
be called upon to prove his claim of ownership,
How can I prove I own the copyright on my songs, and that they are my own original work?
Suggested methods:
• A suggestion from The Patent Office is to send your work to yourself by Special
Delivery. When this arrives do not open the envelope. You will then have proof of
the date, on the envelope, and the fact that it remains unopened proves that you
had written the song on or before this date.
• Assign your song to a music publisher who is a member of MCPS (Mechanical
Copyright Protection Society) and PRS (Performing Rights Society),
• Keep a copy of anything that your song may be printed on that has a date. e.g. an
order of service, songsheet etc.
What rights do I have?
• You have the right at all times to grant or withhold permission for the song to be
published in printed form. Administration can be undertaken by you or assigned to
a publisher or administrator.
• You have the right to authorise the first recorded use of the song only. After this
anyone may record your song, subject to the payment of the statutory royalty via
MCPS.
• You have a measure of control, in that words or melody may not be changed
without your permission. This includes translations although this can be difficult to
enforce and often melodies can change unintentionally with passing on from person
to person or in a musical arrangement.
• You are entitled to claim a royalty for any mechanical use of your song. This is a
statutory 6.25% of the net retail price (excl VAT) divided equally amongst the
songs on the recording
• Print Royalties are negotiable but tend to be between 10-15% of the gross income
of the product divided among the copyright holders.
• Radio and TV stations negotiate terms with PRS and the scale is complex
depending on the nature of the broadcast, needle time etc.
• Live public performances are also technically a source of income and are licensed
by PRS. The fees are distributed after costs by PRS and therefore registration is essential.
How can I exercise these rights?
• Administer the songs yourself, which involves the registration of songs and product
with the appropriate statutory agencies, and the granting of permission in writing
for all requested usage,
• Assign your songs to a publisher who is happy to control your rights and carry out
all administration on your behalf, A publisher will have a team of people who will
produce and actively promote material through a wide variety of marketing and
media channels. A publisher will be aware of the marketplace and all necessary
legal requirements and will also have knowledge of changes and developments etc.
• Appoint an administrator who simply collects income on your behalf, keeping a
percentage to cover administration costs,
What will a Music Publisher do for me?
• He registers formal copyright notices with various agencies and other users,
including MCPS and PRS, as well as other major record and publishing companies.
• He collects royalties from all sources and seeks to protect the copyright against
abuse e.g. unauthorised recordings etc.
• He arranges sub-publishing licences to foreign publishers for overseas use, or
sometimes deals directly with the foreign agencies and societies,
• Depending on the popularity of a song, he endeavors to secure as wide a use as
possible of the song, offering it to recording artists, recordings companies, book
publisher's etc. He may also produce and publish material directly himself,
• Overall, a good publisher endeavors to protect copyright interests, collect royalties
from all sources, and seek to fulfil as far as possible the needs and wishes of the
original writer.
How does the Publisher make his money?
The publisher receives all royalty income from the use of your song and deducts a
percentage from this. The percentage is negotiable but is usually on a 50/50 basis,
CCL (Christian Copyright Licensing)
CCL provide licenses to churches and schools, that allow them to reproduce the words
and music of songs that are owned by publishers and song writers (such as yourself)
who have chosen to join the Licensing scheme. The churches and schools then have
to advise CCL which songs they have used. CCL pay royalties to the publishers and
songwriters twice yearly, whose songs have been used. If you wish to find out more
about this, please telephone CCL on 01323 417711,
Sending your material to publishers
Unfortunately, we are no longer receiving any unsolicited material. This is because we
are currently overwhelmed with our own material, from our current writers, You may
wish to try contacting other publishers, A list of publishers and song owners can be
found on the CCL website: www,ccli.co.uk
Hope this is helpful!!
Martin
US is different.......
here's one link........
|
) Sorry 
.
