How to Determine Music Copyright When Recording in a Studio

In the music industry, competing interests between performers, songwriters, composers, publishers and the studio itself can cause disputes over who owns the copyright. Therefore, it is essential to have a Music Recording Contract in place before even your musical ideas are exchanged.

What Types of Copyrights Exist in Music Recordings

There are two types of copyrights when recording in a studio: sound recording copyright and composition copyright. The sound recording copyright is owned by the singers and musicians and the recording studio itself. The recording studio holds a share of the copyright because their equipment is being used to produce the recording.

The composition copyright is owned by the songwriters or lyricists, the composers of the sheet music, and the publishers. Whether you’re a singer, musician, songwriter, composer, publisher, or recording studio, you should have a Music Recording Contract in place before recording begins.

Additionally, a Non-Disclosure Agreement should also be signed before lyrics or compositions are shared with a third party – be sure to include a clause specifying the lyrics or composition is your intellectual property.

How to Protect Your Music

Protect your music by filling out a Music Recording Contract template, downloading it to a PDF, and sending it to the recording studio for review. The component of the music that you create is considered your intellectual property. As such, you are entitled to compensation for the sale and distribution of your musical contribution.

For example, if you composed the sheet music for a song that is sold on iTunes, a Music Recording Contract will determine the percentage of each sale that you will make.