Government Filing Fees Explained

Overview of Copyright Filing Fees

Preface

Before describing how government filing fees work, we need to walk you through the types of copyrights that can be filed to protect your work. Understanding these distinctions will help you determine which copyrights apply to your musical creations and how to file them effectively.

Understanding Work of Performing Arts and Sound Recording Copyrights

• Work of Performing Arts Copyright
  • This type of copyright protects a song's composition, including the music and lyrics. It applies to the creative aspects of the performance, such as the melody, harmony, and lyrics written by the musician. This copyright ensures that the musician's original artistic expression is legally protected.

• Sound Recording Copyright
  • This type of copyright protects the song's actual recording, including the specific performance captured in the recording. It also covers the fixed version of the song you can listen to, such as a track on a CD, digital file, or streaming service. This copyright ensures that the specific recorded performance of the musician is legally protected.

Choosing the Right Copyright

• This is where the SongSafety platform comes into play. We simplify the complex copyright process by having you answer a short survey about your recently completed hit song. Once you've completed that survey, we have all the information needed to file your copyright successfully. You do not need to worry about the logistics or filing the correct copyright; we've got you covered.
•  Sometimes, a musician may need to file both copyrights if they have contributed to the composition and the song's recording. SongSafety can help streamline this process, making filing the appropriate copyrights for your work quick and easy.

By understanding these two types of copyrights, musicians can ensure their contributions are fully protected under copyright law.

How Government Filing Fees Work: 

When filing copyrights through SongSafety, musicians can expect to be charged government fees based on the number of copyrights they file. Here is a general overview:

1. Single Copyright Filing

• If a musician files one sound recording copyright, the United States Copyright Office charges a fee of $65.

2. Multiple Copyright Filings

• If a musician files two copyrights, they will be charged $130.
• For example, filing one sound recording and one work of performing arts copyright would cost $130.

3. Combined Filings

1. In some instances, a work of performing arts copyright and a sound recording copyright can be filed collectively.
2. The SongSafety platform makes this process quick and easy, helping you combine filings where applicable.

Example Charges:

   - 1 sound recording copyright: $65

   - 2 copyrights (e.g., one sound recording and one work of performing arts): $130

   - Combined filing for a work of performing arts and sound recording: $65 (where applicable)

Please note that SongSafety does not charge these fees, but they are government fees required for every musical copyright submission. SongSafety facilitates the filing process, ensuring efficiency and ease for musicians.