Can a Publisher Own My Songs Forever?
In most cases, “forever” means the Life of the Copyright. In the US and UK, this is typically the life of the author plus 70 years (in India, it is life plus 60 years). While many traditional contracts grant rights “in perpetuity,” the law provides a “safety valve.” In the US, for example, you have […]
What Happens if Two People Upload the Same Song to Different Distributors?
The Bottom Line Up Front: When the same song is uploaded to different distributors, streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music use the ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) to identify the duplicate. If the ISRC is the same, the platforms will attempt to “link” the tracks to preserve play counts. However, if two different people […]
How Do I Handle Copyrights for Collaborations?
When two or more people create a song together with the intent to merge their work, it is legally considered a “Joint Work.” By default, in many jurisdictions (including the US), all collaborators own an equal share of the song—even if one person wrote 90% of it—unless there is a written agreement stating otherwise. To […]
Do I Need to Copyright My Beats Separately?
Yes. You should register your beats as soon as they are finished, even if there are no vocals on them yet. A beat is a “Musical Work” that carries its own value. Audiobulb is the perfect partner for producers because we allow you to register your instrumentals globally for $19.99/year, ensuring you are the “Publisher […]
What’s the Difference Between Copyright and Publishing Registration?
Copyright registration (with the USCO or DPIIT) is for Legal Protection, it proves you own the work so you can sue if someone steals it. Publishing Registration (with PROs like ASCAP, BMI, or IPRS) is for Getting Paid—it ensures you receive royalties when your song is played. Audiobulb handles your publishing administration for $19.99/year, ensuring […]
How Do I Register My Songs for Copyright in the US, UK, and India?
In the US and India, official government registration is required for full legal protection and the right to sue for damages. In the UK, there is no central government registry, so “proof of creation” is key. Audiobulb works with you regardless of your location, providing the global administration and usage tracking you need for just […]
Can Someone Steal My Song If I Send It to Them Without Registering?
Legally, no, your song is “copyrighted” the moment you record it. However, if you haven’t formally registered it, you lack the legal “teeth” to sue for big money. Audiobulb provides a critical middle ground: we use active usage tracking to monitor the web for your music, acting as a digital security system that catches unauthorized […]
Should I Register My Copyright Before Sending Songs to a Publisher?
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 […]
What Should I Look for in a Publishing Contract?
Most traditional publishing deals are “Rights Grabs” disguised as opportunities. They want your ownership, a massive cut of your money, and control over your music for decades. Audiobulb flips this model: you keep 100% ownership, pay a flat $19.99/year fee, and we provide active tracking to protect your work from unauthorized use. 1. The “Rights […]
Can I Have Multiple Publishers for Different Songs?
While you might think having multiple publishers increases your chances of success, it often does the opposite by creating metadata conflicts and “frozen” royalties. To provide the best protection and collection, Audiobulb only signs exclusive administration contracts. This allows us to manage your entire catalog with “One Voice,” ensuring every stream is tracked and every […]