Fort Washington, MD asked in Copyright for Maryland

Q: Last year I copyrighted a song I composed under my name. Do I have to now copyright the song under the business?

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2 Lawyer Answers
Barbara Berschler
Barbara Berschler
Answered
  • Intellectual Property Lawyer
  • Rockville, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: I gather that you registered the copyright of the song in your name with the Copyright Office. That is fine. If you want your business company to now own the copyright, you can have an Assignment of Rights prepared which would result in you assigning your copyright rights to the business. Furthermore, you could then record with the Copyright Office the Assignment of Rights. This is somewhat like recording a deed to your house. That way, if someone wants to know who owns the copyright, they will be able to search the records of the Copyright Office. To find out more, I suggest you work with an attorney familiar with copyright and music. Good luck

Marcos Garciaacosta agrees with this answer

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
Answered
  • Intellectual Property Lawyer
  • Mesa, AZ

A: Short answer you do not have to do that.

It may help to have it in the company name, if you ever sell the company, or add partners, they automatically get a portion of the copyright subject to your bylaws and agreements.

best luck and talk to an attorney

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