I'd like to speak with a music lawyer. I need some assistance sorting out a copyright issue and have reason to believe

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Customer: I'd like to speak with a music lawyer. I need some assistance sorting out a copyright issue and have reason to believe my work is being exploited for profit, without my consent, nor with any accounting of royalties owed to me.
JA: What state are you in? It matters because laws vary by location.
Customer: PA, although music copyright and that sort of thing is governed federally, no?
JA: What steps have you taken so far?
Customer: So far I've done a bit of research to understand exactly what my rights and interest in the underlying work are, however there are some things that are confusing
JA: Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured that they'll be able to help you.
Customer: Yes, I'm only a co-writer on 4 of the 10 songs we recorded, but I co-funded the recording of all 10 songs. I'm just not sure what my rights are under copyright, on the recording of the songs I did not co-write.

Answered by Elizabeth in 5 mins 10 months ago

Elizabeth

10+ years of experience

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Elizabeth

35064 Satisfied customers

10+ years of experience

Elizabeth

10+ years of experience

35064 Satisfied customers

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Elizabeth, Expert

Welcome and thank you for using Just Answer. My name is ***** ***** I'm the attorney who will be assisting with your legal question. So I can best help, did you have a contract for your funding?

Customer

Hi Liz. No, the album was self funded. 4 of us each paid our share to record, mix and master the album, that was released in late 2019.I left the group shortly after, however it has come to my attention that the group has signed a deal with a record company, the detail of which I don't know. They stated on their social media that their plan is to re-release 4 of the songs I paid to have record

Customer

I am also a songwriter on 6 of the 10 songs, but regardless of which 4 they pick, the recording of all of them is partly mine

Elizabeth, Expert

That specific recording, they could re-record ones you did not write. Anything you wrote, co-wrote, etc you'd have a right to royalties for.

Customer

I'm on the same page with you, but I would like to file copyright for the album, but doing the proper crediting is confusing, since there are cowriters and 4 songs I did not write, but some of my cowriters cowrote, if that makes sense?

Elizabeth, Expert

For the album, it's copyrighted as an entire compilation, if that makes sense. SO you're all together as writers. Each individual song is then attributed to it's proper writers.

Customer

I do have another concern though. One of the songs they will most likely re-release is one that I cowrote because it has been their most popular still to this date.Also they didn't seem to imply that they were going to re-record any of the tracks, but re-release them.

Elizabeth, Expert

You would have an interest in the original tracks as created. Do you perform or just write?

Customer

Cowrote and performed 6, performed the other 4.

Customer

It's worth noting that no copyright was officially filed for the songs, nor the recording. I want to copyright the songs, but I want to do it properly. I also want to copyright the album but it's really confusing trying to make sure everyone's rights are accounted for.

Elizabeth, Expert

Normally, you would all file together.

Customer

I just feel like people are about to profit from my work and I didn't sign anything.

Customer

Right, but one of us could file for all of us, no?

Elizabeth, Expert

You could, you also can seek royalties for the use of your work still.

Customer

Even without the copyright being filled?

Elizabeth, Expert

Yes because you're still entitled to your work. Just can't sue for infringement.

Customer

But I think I might have to at some point.

Customer

I could be wrong, but better to prepared in either case.

Customer

Like I mentioned, they've signed some sort of deal and mentioned they're re releasing stuff that I haven't agreed to, or been approached about.

Elizabeth, Expert

Which they can do, but you have to be paid for your work.

Customer

They can re-release my work without my consent? Or license it?

Elizabeth, Expert

Yup but they still have to pay you.

Customer

I do I make sure they do?

Elizabeth, Expert

You'd have to pursue them for the money. ASCAP also can help gain royalties.

Customer

I'm registered with BMI for performance royalties, sound exchange for digital performance royalties. I'm not sure who collects mechanical.

Elizabeth, Expert

Sound exchange may do both.

Customer

Okay. I'll double check my registrations and see if I can claim my work.

Elizabeth, Expert

Can I help further?

Customer

You've been a tremendous help for now, thank you. I'm looking into making sure I'm doing what's necessary. Thanks again!

Elizabeth, Expert

You're very welcome!

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