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QuoteHey Guys,
I'm debating on areas where I should wait until I've protected myself and my material vs. where I should just continue onward and get back to a concern down the road in the future when it's practical, wise, etc. With my current situation I'm wondering all what I should/could reasonably do as compared to what not to do.
Situation: I have multiple core projects that I know I will definitely go through with, record, and release as compared to potential uncertain ones so I decided to make my own label. Everything I release from these core projects will be under the record label. I've recently been exposed to legalistic concerns (copyrights, trade/service marks, etc.) and wonder when, or even if, I should take care of these. From what I've discovered so far it seems some stuff can be done after a release. It's all kind of detailed and confusing but I want to take care of this stuff and get it out of the way as soon as possible to just get it done and protect my identities, creations, etc.
My initial/current concern is this: I released a single last year with related artwork. I'm wondering if I can file each media jointly to save time and money. Although, I recently was wondering if I should just wait and file it with the upcoming EP, which includes a slightly alternate version of the single, (and possibly 2 album teasers) so that all that would be as financially and temporally feasible and efficient as possible. I'd prefer to include the pieces of art with the sound recordings.
Basically, could/should I file all those media as one submission for purposed of costs and time?
If anyone has or is having experience with these matters, please let me know of anything that may be helpful.
Thanks for any help,
- Andrew, Ethereal Life Records
P.S. - I'm really glad this environment exists and that I'm a part of this!
1:22 am
June 7, 2011
Offline
Hey Andrew,
Sorry for the slow response. I was traveling for over a week and just returned home.
I need to first say that I am not a lawyer, nor qualified to give you legal advice. That said, my personal opinion is that if you have any outstanding copyright issues with the sound recordings, images, or publishing of the music you intend to sell, you should dort that out before attempting to sell it.
If you are just concerned about protecting your music before releasing it, copyrighting is fairly cheap. If I remember right it's only $35 per collection and you can take care of it at http://www.copyright.gov. That should at least grant you a basic protection. But you may need to talk to a lawyer to make sure everything is completely secure.
I for one, tend not to sweat this stuff. I copyright my work the easy way and then just get it out into the world. The reality is that a threat to you as an independent artist is fairly small, and even if somebody stole your work, proving it would be difficult and expensive. So to my mind, just getting your material out there is what is most important.
That said, if there is an existing dispute over some of your songs, you want to sort that out now.
Hope that helps.
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Thanks John.
I wanted to have everything in place to protect myself in case. You make a good point though since I as an independent artist shouldn't worry about all that. That puts my mind at ease. Thanks again for the concise summary. Time for me to get back to the real work!
11:46 pm
June 7, 2011
Offline
Cool. But just to clarify, I am not saying that you shouldn't copyright your music. I absolutely think you should spend the $35 and copyright your music before releasing it. I just don't think it needs to be a point of stress beyond that basic protection. But that's just my personal opinion.
Having trouble with your marketing? Wish you could have an experienced direct-to-fan marketing expert look over your actual campaigns, music, or content and offer feedback? Or perhaps you’re just looking for a little one-on-one assistance so you can ask questions that pertain to your specific goals and get a second, more experienced, perspective? Click here to book a session with me now.
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