Copyright Registration for Musical Compositions 2
For example, the song “Rolling in the Deep” and a recording of Aretha Franklin singing “Rolling in
the Deep” are two distinct works. The song itself (i.e., the music and the lyrics) is a musical composi-
tion, and a recording of an artist performing that song is a sound recording.
In most cases, a musical composition and a sound recording must be registered separately with
the Copyright Office. However, in limited circumstances, a sound recording and the underlying
musical composition can be registered with one application, filing fee, and deposit. For information
about registering a sound recording, see Circular 56. For information about registering a musical
composition together with a sound recording, see Circular 56A.
Copyright Registration
To register a claim to copyright in a musical composition, you must submit the following to the
Copyright Office: (1) a completed application form; (2) a nonrefundable filing fee; and (3) the required
“deposit copies” of your work. This circular highlights issues common to registrations of musical
compositions. For more guidance on registering a musical composition, see chapter 800, section 802.9,
of the Compendium. For general registration information, see Copyright Registration (Circular 2).
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Copyright Oce fees are subject to change. For current fees, see Copyright Oce Fees
(Circular 4), available on the Oce’s website at www.copyright.gov or call the Oce at (202) 707-3000
or 1-877-476-0778 (toll free).
Mistakes in applications lead to delays in registration, so it is important to complete the appli-
cation accurately. Instructions for completing an online application appear in the “help” text that
accompanies the application. Here are some tips regarding common points of confusion.
Type of Work
• At the beginning of the application, select “Work of the Performing Arts” on the “Type of Work”
screen. The questions in the application are based on the type of work you select. If you select
the wrong option, you will need to start over.
Title
• Provide the title of the musical composition you are registering exactly as it appears on the
work itself.
Publication
“Publication” occurs when copies or phonorecords of a work are distributed to the public by sale or
other transfer of ownership or by rental, lease, or lending. Publication also occurs when a copyright
owner offers to distribute copies or phonorecords of a work to a group of persons for the purpose
of further distribution, public performance, or public display. A public performance or display of a
musical composition does not, in and of itself, constitute publication.
• If the work has not been published, state that the work is “unpublished.”
• If the work has been published, give the month, day, and year that the copies or phonorecords
were first distributed to the public or first offered to a group of persons for further distribu-
tion, public performance, or public display.