Discussion:
What is the name of your state?ohio
Me and two gentleman were working together, writing songs. I would write the music and give them words and ideas to get started. We had finished 8 songs.
At that time we started discussing copyrights. One of them got all the papers and wee all three signed them. When we signed them there was no list of songs as we were still working on the content. It was a blank form that I signed.
My question and problem is that instead of the agreed number of songs, one of the men added works that they did not write, totalling 20. Several of those they had nothng to do with, a couple they had given me words that i did not agree to after evaluating them.
They, in turn, payed the copyright fee, for 20 songs wihtout my knowledge, and had them mailed to their residence. I am contesting there claim of song ownership on those songs in question. I have previous recordings of the songs in question and i have several people that attest to my authorship and their theft.
I learned that the two men have made recent trips to Nashville, TN. and are actively attempting to sell songs, including those that they wrongfully copyrighted.
I know I made a mistake by signing the copyright sheet before the songs were listed, but is that a reason to be stolen from, legally?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Answer:
I know I made a mistake by signing the copyright sheet before the songs were listed, but is that a reason to be stolen from, legally? The problem is, you signed the copyright registrations -- that's a tough hurdle to oversome, because when you sign, you are stating that the form is correct.
But look at the bright side -- since you are still a co-owner of the copyrights, if they do make any money selling or licensing the songs, you can sue them for a cut, because you are entitled to it!