How to Register Your Songs Internationally

Registering your songs internationally is a crucial step to protect your copyrights and ensure you receive the corresponding royalties when your music is used anywhere in the world. This process may seem complex, but with the right information and steps, you can guarantee the protection of your work in multiple countries.

In this article, we will explore how to register your songs internationally, the benefits of doing so, and the key entities that will help you in this process.

Benefits of Registering Your Songs Internationally

1. Rights Protection: Ensures you are recognized as the creator and owner of your music worldwide.
2. Royalties Collection: Allows collective management organizations to collect royalties on your behalf when your music is played or used in other countries.
3. Plagiarism Prevention: Protects your work against unauthorized use and international plagiarism.
4. Commercial Exploitation: Facilitates the global commercial exploitation of your music, including licensing for movies, TV, and advertising.

Steps to Register Your Songs Internationally

1. Register in Your Home Country

The first step is to register your songs in your home country. This is typically done through your country’s copyright office or a collective management organization. In the United States, for example, this would be done through the Library of Congress (Copyright Office).

Key Collective Management Organizations:

• ASCAP (United States)
• BMI (United States)
• SESAC (United States)
• SACM (Mexico)
• SAYCO (Colombia)
• SGAE (Spain)

2. Affiliate with International Collective Management Organizations

Affiliating with a collective management organization in your country that has reciprocal agreements with organizations in other countries is crucial. These organizations collect and distribute royalties on behalf of composers and musicians. Most major societies have agreements with similar entities in other countries to ensure international royalties collection.

3. Use Digital Tools and Registration Platforms

There are digital tools and platforms that facilitate the international registration of your songs. Services like Songtrust and Kobalt Music Group allow artists to register their works in multiple territories efficiently and effectively.

Registration Platforms:

• Songtrust
• TuneRegistry
• Kobalt Music Group

4. Register with International Copyright Offices

Consider registering your songs directly with copyright offices in other countries if you have a specific market in mind. Many countries allow the registration of foreign works and have their own copyright offices.

Examples of Copyright Offices:

• UK Intellectual Property Office (United Kingdom)
• SABAM (Belgium)
• APRA AMCOS (Australia)

5. Continuous Monitoring and Protection

Once your songs are registered, it is important to monitor their use internationally to ensure you are receiving all the royalties you are entitled to. Use copyright monitoring services and maintain a close relationship with your collective management organization to ensure ongoing protection of your work.

Key Entities in International Registration

Collective Management Organizations

Collective management organizations are fundamental to the collection of international royalties. These organizations have agreements with their counterparts in other countries to ensure that the rights of composers and musicians are respected globally. Recently, BMI and ASCAP have partnered to combat fraud in the registration of compositions. This collaboration aims to improve accuracy and transparency in the registration of works, benefiting composers by ensuring their rights are adequately protected.

Registration and Monitoring Platforms

Platforms like Songtrust and Kobalt Music Group not only facilitate the registration of songs in multiple territories but also offer monitoring services to ensure that artists receive all royalties generated by their music.

Copyright Offices

Registering your songs directly with copyright offices in specific countries can provide an additional layer of protection and ensure that your rights are recognized in those territories.

Legal and Tax Considerations

Copyright Laws

Make sure you understand the copyright laws in each country where you register your music. Laws can vary significantly, and it is important to know your rights and the protections available in each jurisdiction.

Tax Implications

Royalties generated internationally can have tax implications. Consult with a tax advisor to ensure you comply with all tax obligations in your home country and the countries where you generate royalty income.

Registering your songs internationally is a crucial step to protect your rights and ensure you receive the corresponding royalties when your music is used anywhere in the world. By following these steps and utilizing available tools and resources, you can ensure the protection and success of your music on the global stage.

With proper planning and execution, your songs can reach audiences worldwide while you protect your rights and maximize your income. At Prodezk, we support several artists to optimize their earnings through tax and effective strategies. For more information, please send us a message.