Hi all,
I spent about 2 weeks trying to find out what type of material or info was required by the US Copyright office, and finally after receiving a lot of good (though conflicting) answer, I found an email contact with the office and this is the answer I received.
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From: Richard Terry Sent: Thursday, October 24, 2013 5:49 PM To: Copyright Information Subject: What is used to submit songs for copyright?
Dear Agent,
I want to copyright my songs but, I am getting conflicting advice on what I can or cannot submit. Some say it has to be an audio recording. Some say it can be just a sheet music of the song. If just sheet music; which style (ie. Lead sheet, Lyrics and Chord, Lyrics and Melody note....etc.) Please clarify this for me. I wish to submit using Electronic Copyright Office. I just need to know if I have to make a sound recording to be copyrighted.
Thank you and God Bless
Richard G. Terry
Dear Richard G. Terry,
You can either submit an audio recording of your work or you can submit sheet music. There is not a specific style of sheet music necessary to submit. Please keep in mind, the copy of the work that you submit to our Office is what will be covered by the registration and kept on record for your protection.
I hope you find this information helpful.
Sincerely,
ydc
U.S. Copyright Office
Attn: Public Information Office-LM401
101 Independence Avenue, S.E.
Washington, DC 20559-6000
Email: copyinfo@loc.gov
Phone: 877-476-0778 (toll free) or 202-707-5959
Fax: 202-252-2041
Website: www.copyright.gov
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I hope this will help other who may have be wondering themselves.
Best wishes and God Bless
Richard