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Music Copyrights, Part 1: The Two Types

When it comes time to register the copyright for a piece of music or recording (or both), it’s important to understand that there are two main types of copyrights related to music in the United States: SR (Sound Recording) copyrights and PA (Performing Arts) copyrights. Each serves a different purpose and covers different aspects of a musical work. 

Watch a short video version of this blog on the ProArts YouTube channel.

SR Copyright

The SR (Sound Recording) copyright protects the specific fixation of sounds embodied in a recording. This means it protects the actual recorded performance, including vocals, instruments, and any other sound elements.

The SR copyright protects the recorded version of the performance, including the production, mixing, and mastering of the sound. The SR copyright holder has the exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform publicly via digital audio transmission, and create derivative works based on the recording.

Record labels, producers, or the recording artists themselves typically hold SR copyrights, depending on contractual agreements. You should register an SR copyright with the federal government if you want to protect the specific sound recording of a song, including how it was performed and captured in the studio or live.

PA Copyright

The PA (Performing Arts) copyright protects the underlying musical composition, including the melody, harmony, lyrics, and arrangement. It specifically protects the sheet music, lyrics, and composition of the music. The PA copyright holder has the exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform publicly, display publicly, and create derivative works based on the musical composition.

Songwriters, composers, lyricists, and music publishers typically hold PA copyrights. You should register a PA copyright if you want to protect the written music and lyrics, ensuring that others cannot legally copy or distribute the composition without permission.

In summary, an SR copyright protects the actual sound recording of a musical work, while a PA copyright protects the musical composition and lyrics. Both copyrights are essential for musicians and artists to fully protect their creative works in the music industry. Typically, a PA copyright would be filed first if a song or group of songs have not been recorded. Then when a recording is made, an SR copyright would be filed.

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