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What is a 'Copyright', 'Writer' and/or 'Control' for song activation?

Betty
  • Updated

Unlike Master Ownership which refers to the actual recording of a song, Copyright Ownership (also known as "Publishing") refers to the composition of a song i.e. music and lyrics.

 

More on Master Ownership >

 

There are two primary elements which make up Copyright Ownership:

 

  • Writer - if you have created the music and/or lyrics of a song, you are the writer, with your share defined by a percentage.
  • Control - refers to whoever has control of the copyright for any particular territory. If you are self-published, you Control 100%. If you are published, you have assigned Control to your publisher.
  • Note: This should not be confused with Performance Rights Organization "PRO" registration and royalty collection.

 

More on PRO registration and royalty collection >

 

Here are a few examples of different configurations of Copyright Ownership:

 

Example 1

Sue Anders has written the music and lyrics of a song and is self-published.

Therefore:

  • Anders, Sue - 100% Writer 
  • Anders, Sue - Controls the song

 

Example 2

Shelley Hansen has written the music and lyrics of a song and is signed to U.S. publisher, Mayberry Music.

Therefore:

  • Hansen, Shelley - 100% Writer 
  • Mayberry Music - Controls the song

 

Example 3

Shelley Hansen and Frank Carter are equal co-writers of a song. Shelley is signed to U.S. publisher, Mayberry Music. Frank is self-published.

Therefore:

  • Hansen, Shelley - 50% Writer
  • Carter, Frank - 50% Writer 
  • Mayberry Music - Controls Shelley's 50% 
  • Carter, Frank - Controls his 50%

 

Example 4

Jan Isa and Wally Stamos are co-writers of a song and have agreed on 30% share for Jan, 70% share for Wally. Jan is self-published. Wally is signed to U.S. publisher, Mayberry Music. Mayberry Music has a deal with UK publisher, Silver Music Publishing to represent Mayberry Music's catalog which includes Wally's song for the UK territory.

Therefore:

  • Isa, Jan - 30% Writer
  • Stamos, Wally - 70% Writer 
  • Isa, Jan - Controls her 30%
  • Mayberry Music - Controls Wally's 70% for the World excluding the U.K.
  • Silver Music Publishing - Controls Wally's 70% for Mayberry Music for the U.K. only

 

Important notes:

  • Songtradr only pays those users who are listed as Control parties
  • Percentages must add up to 100%

 

Next Step: Learn more about how to us Songtradr's Ownership Settings > 

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