Copyright Registration (U.S.)
Registering with the U.S. Copyright Office — PA vs SR.
What it is
You own copyright the moment a work is fixed (recorded/written). Registering with the U.S. Copyright Office is a separate step that creates a public record and is required before you can file an infringement lawsuit — and timely registration unlocks statutory damages and attorney's fees.
When you need it
Around release. Registering promptly (ideally before or soon after publication) preserves the strongest remedies.
Per the U.S. Copyright Office fee schedule (copyright.gov), online registration is $45 for a single author / single work / one claimant / not-for-hire, and $65 for the standard online application; paper filing is higher. Fees change — verify current at copyright.gov.
Where artists lose money
Not a royalty stream, but the leverage behind all of them. Without registration you can't sue for infringement; without TIMELY registration you may lose access to statutory damages.
PA vs SR — pick the right form
PA (Performing Arts) covers the COMPOSITION — the underlying song, music and lyrics.
SR (Sound Recording) covers the RECORDING — the specific captured performance (the master).
If you own BOTH the song and the recording, the Copyright Office allows registering both together in certain cases when the same claimant owns both. Verify the current rule and which single application, if any, applies to your situation on copyright.gov.
Registers the composition (song — music and lyrics).
Registers the sound recording (the master).
When the same person owns both the composition and the recording, a single application may cover both in some cases. Verify current eligibility on copyright.gov.
File electronically through eCO
The Copyright Office's electronic registration system is eCO (the online portal now lives at eservice.eco.loc.gov, linked from copyright.gov). Electronic filing is generally cheaper and faster than paper.
Official links
- U.S. Copyright Officewww.copyright.gov
- eCO Registration Systemeservice.eco.loc.gov