Technically, you own the copyright the moment you “fix” your song in a tangible form (a voice memo or a DAW file). However, formal registration with the Copyright Office of your country is the only way to sue for infringement. While many publishers claim they “handle this for you,” they often use it as a tactic to grab ownership or charge hidden fees. At Audiobulb, we provide the tracking and administration, but we always encourage you to hold the legal title in your own name first.
1. Automatic vs. Formal Copyright: The “Armor” Metaphor
Think of your song like a car.
- Automatic Copyright: This is like owning the car. You have the keys, and it’s in your driveway.
- Formal Registration: This is the Title and Deed. Without this “Title” from the government, you cannot go to court to prove the car is yours if someone steals it.
A Quick Correction: You may have heard of the “Poor Man’s Copyright”—mailing a copy of your song to yourself in a sealed envelope. This is a myth. In 2025, a postmark holds zero weight in a federal copyright court. Don’t rely on it; it’s a waste of a stamp.
2. The Statutory Damages Trap
The real reason to register before you pitch is a legal window called “Statutory Damages.”
- The Rule: If you register your song before someone infringes on it (or within 3 months of publication), you are eligible for up to $150,000 per song plus your attorney’s fees.
- The Trap: If you wait until after someone steals your melody to register, you can usually only sue for “Actual Damages” (what you actually lost). This is notoriously difficult and expensive to prove.
3. Shady Publisher Tactics to Watch For
When you’re looking at contracts, be wary of publishers who make copyright registration sound like a “perk” of their service. Here’s what they are often hiding:
- The “Claimant” Grab: Some publishers will register your song for you but list themselves as the co-claimant (owner). This makes it nearly impossible to get your rights back later.
- The Massive Markup: A standard USCO filing fee is around $45–$65. Shady publishers often charge artists $150–$250 for “Copyright Services,” pocketing the difference as a hidden fee.
- The Dependency Loop: They want to be the only ones with the paperwork. If you ever want to leave, they make it difficult to get your registration certificates, effectively holding your catalog hostage.
4. How Audiobulb Does It Differently
At Audiobulb, we believe in Total Transparency. We are your administrators, not your masters.
- You are the Claimant: We encourage you to register your own works with the Copyright Office so that the “Title” stays in your name, not ours.
- No Hidden Filing Fees: We don’t upcharge you for legal paperwork. Our $19.99/year covers our exclusive administration and tracking—nothing else.
- Active Usage Tracking: While the Copyright Office provides the “Title,” Audiobulb provides the “Security Camera.” We constantly track your music’s usage online to prevent unfair use. If our system flags an unauthorized use, your formal Copyright registration gives us the legal teeth to shut it down.
Comparison: Copyright Protection
| Feature | Self-Managed (No Registration) | Shady “Full-Service” Pub | Audiobulb + Self-Reg |
| Legal Status | Weak (Can’t sue) | Strong (But they own it) | Strongest (You own it) |
| Cost | $0 | Hidden high fees | $19.99/yr + Gov Fee |
| Tracking | None | Selective (Stars only) | Active (Every track) |
| Ownership | 100% | 50% or less | 100% (The Audiobulb Way) |
FAQ: Protecting Your Demos
Should I register every demo I write?
If you’re writing 100 songs a year, that gets expensive. A common strategy is to do a “Group Registration of Unpublished Works” to save money. Register the “best of the best” before you send them to anyone outside your inner circle.
Does Audiobulb register my songs with ASCAP/BMI?
Yes. We handle the registration with Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) and The MLC. This is for getting you paid. This is different from the US Copyright Office, which is for legal ownership. You need both.
If I sign an exclusive deal with Audiobulb, do I still own my copyright?
Absolutely. Our exclusivity only applies to the administration (the right to collect and track). You remain the sole owner of the intellectual property.7
Summary
Don’t wait for a publisher to “take care” of your copyright. Register your best work yourself to ensure you are the sole legal claimant. Then, let Audiobulb handle the global collection and tracking for a flat fee.
Your Next Step: Have you registered your latest batch of songs with the USCO yet? Sign up for Audiobulb for $19.99/year to start the administration process, and we can provide you with a guide on how to register your legal title without getting ripped off.