Klarinet Archive - Posting 000720.txt from 1998/10

From: Grant Green <gdgreen@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] copyright advice (was "attention composers")
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1998 20:33:53 -0400

>Here's my two cents on copyright advice/protection:
>
>As a freelance writer (and as-yet-unheralded screenwriter), there is
>the rare occasion when I wish to have extra-strong proof of authorship
>of a piece. Rather than go through the registration process for
>"official" copyright, I simply mail myself a copy of the story
>(manuscript, review, etc.), and file the unopened, postmarked envelope
>when I receive it. This is MUCH cheaper than the $20 registration
>fee, and is pretty much as legally viable as an official registration.
> This is a common practice among writers, and I don't see why it
>wouldn't work for composers, too.
>
>Robin

A common and *incorrect* practice. As a lawyer who practices (and
occasionally teaches) intellectual property, I hear this one a lot. Many
people think that they can save money by writing down their invention or
song, and mailing it to themself. Unfortunately, it is not considered
evidence or proof of anything. Ask anyone with a postage meter...

You have copyright automatically, the moment you fix your work of
authorship in a tangible medium (if you'll excuse the legalese). If you
want the benefits of registering the copyright, you must register it.
There simply is no substitute. Certainly, a certificate of copyright is
better evidence that you created your work on or before the deposit date
shown on the certificate. If it is important enough to take the time to
mail it to yourself, its also worth the $20 to properly register it. Just
be glad you aren't spending several thousand dollars for a patent
application....

Grant Green

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Grant Green gdgreen@-----.com
http://www.contrabass.com
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