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Ten Tips for Songwriters: Credits, Copyrights, and Coauthors

You may have written an outstanding song with a fabulous melody, great lyrics, and memorable hooks. Yet your work doesn’t stop there. Songwriting raises many legal issues such as: who gets the credit for a song, how are royalties split, can you claim tax deductions for home studios, and should you register a copyright. Here are ten tips to help manage the legal and business side of your songwriting.

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sound recording copyright

A right in a work resulting from the fixation of a series of musical or other sounds (including narration or spoken words). A sound recording copyright protects the way that the composition is performed. The performer, producer, or recording company usually claims copyright in a sound recording. 

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Can I claim money from recordings I played on but did not write?

Years ago I played in a band that released over 10 albums. I recently discovered that the albums are selling well to this day. I have not received a dime in 25 years. I did not write any tunes, therefore cannot seek help from ASCAP. Do I have any rights to redeem past royalties?

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