Music Publishing: What the Songwriter and Practitioner Need to Know

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to provide guidance about Music Publishing for general practitioners, songwriters and entertainment attorneys. This article covers music copyright ownership, registration, licensing, sources of income for songwriters, music copyright infringement in the Second, Seventh and Ninth Circuits. Also, there is a listing of Helpful Internet Websites For Songwriters such as the U.S. Copyright Office, Recording Industry Assoc. of America, American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers and a bevy of other relevant and important websites. This article should be read in conjunction with Thou Shalt Not Steal: A Primer on Music Licensing, written by this author and posted on May 5, 2011.

Music Publishing is the major source of income for songwriters. It is possible that with one hit song and a skillful music publishing contract, together with astute counsel, can make a songwriter a millionaire.

Keywords: Music Publishing, Copyrights, Music Copyright Infringement, Songwriters, Intellectual Property