Copyrights:
A copyright is the legal right granted to an author, composer, playwright, publisher, or distributor, to exclusive publication, production, sale or distribution of a literary, musical, romantic or artistic work. One of the most frequently misunderstood areas about original music and lyrics is about the copyrights. A copyright is actually granted upon the creation of the work, musical or otherwise, but practically, it comes down to proof of the work, musical or otherwise, but practically it comes down to proof of the date of creation. There are several ways to establish that, but really only one best way, you could do a “poor man’s copyright”, and mail the work to yourself, keeping it sealed once you receive it. The dated postal stamp will suffice should a judge have to determine date of creation. You can also register your work with Son Guard, which is a website that establishes date of creation. But neither of these registers your work with the government. You still need at some point to file a copyright at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. You can download forms from the Internet from www.copyright.gov, or call 202-707-9100 to order forms. If you have questions, you can also call 202-707-30-00.The forms are free, but the application requires a $30.00 application fee, per work registered.
Weddings and Events:
Having said this, if you commission Custom Wedding Song to compose an original song, or songs for your wedding or event, Custom Wedding Songs retains the copyright to the writer’s portion of the song, or songs. Custom Wedding Song also retains publishing, unless an agreement is reached between Custom Wedding Song, and the involved party. The song may be purchased outright for a negotiated amount. It’s agreed that if this is done, Custom Wedding Song would then relinquish all rights to future monies earned by mechanical sales or royalties of that song.
Essentially, what you are buying is the writing of an original song for your specific event, and the fees to legally play the music. A copy of the song will be given to you as well, with the stipulation that no one else will use the song for their event.
Jingles and Corporate Music:
Basically there are two ways to deal with copyrights on jingles. One is for the composer to retain the copyright; the other is to “do a work for hire”. When the composer retains the copyright, it is basically the same as a song, he retains the writer’s ownership, and the publishing is negotiable. In a “work for hire” situation, the writer will do the composing as “work ”, or “labor”, and actually sell the whole jingle, rights, and all, to the hiring party, or client. The client now has all copyright ownership to the jingle and makes any future monies on it. Either practice can be a viable way to handle the composition, and the situation can differ from case to case. As in almost anything, terms are negotiable.
Minors: It is company policy that Belles and Rebels Music will not agree to contracts, or engage in business agreements/business of any type with persons under the age of 18.
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CUSTOM WEDDING SONG
A MOMENT, A SONG, A LIFETIME.
