Do I Need to Copyright My Music Before Uploading?

This is by no means legal counsel, nor do we serve as your legal representative. However, you should be aware that under the current copyright laws (effective since January 1, 1978), a piece of work automatically receives copyright protection upon its creation. Simply put, a work is considered created when it is concretely embodied or "fixed" within a copy or phonorecord for the first time. It is important to note that neither publication nor registration in the Copyright Office is mandatory to receive copyright protection according to the law.

Nevertheless, registration confers certain benefits, including the formation of a public record of the copyright claim. Generally, copyright registration should be completed prior to filing an infringement lawsuit. Making a timely registration potentially offers a wider array of remedies in the event of an infringement lawsuit.

To get more details, visit http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ50.pdf