Discussion:
What is the name of your state? TX
Greetings,
I have done a sound recording of a story interspersed with songs. A company would like to use this recording and copyright it as a compilation with a book. I would like to copyright my work separately as well. The story is not mine to copyright, but the songs are public domain. How do I copyright this work? Can I submit the whole CD and note that only the songs and the "idea" be copyrighted? My goal in copyrighting is to be able to use the same songs and concept at a later date.
Thank you kindly,
Shanti
Answer:
What is the name of your state? TX
Greetings,
I have done a sound recording of a story interspersed with songs. A company would like to use this recording and copyright it as a compilation with a book. I would like to copyright my work separately as well. The story is not mine to copyright, but the songs are public domain. How do I copyright this work? Can I submit the whole CD and note that only the songs and the "idea" be copyrighted? My goal in copyrighting is to be able to use the same songs and concept at a later date.
Thank you kindly,
Shanti You would register a copyright on the sound recording only. That would give you ownership of the recordings you made -- it wouldn't keep others from making their own recordings, but it would protect yours. You cannot protect an "idea" with copyright -- only patents can protect "ideas," and even then only in certain circumstances.
Answer:
Make sure your contract is clear on what they are purchasing so that there is not confusion on what the publisher is getting for their $.
Answer:
Thank you Gentlemen.
I am donating the use of the recording for their project (it is a non-profit). My main concern is keeping a copyright of the sound recording in order to use it as I please at a later date. I think you answered my question.
Thank you very much for your help.
Sincerely yours,
Shanti