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Without meaning to sound facetious the most inexpensive way to obtain copyright protection in the US is to do nothing.
It isn't necessary to take any action to obtain a copyright. Copyright protection is automatic, as soon as work of sufficient originality is "fixed in a tangible medium, perceptible to human eye, machine reader or other device".
In the US, though it is true that a copyright is automatic when the work is fixed in a tangible state, in order to bring an infringement suit to court your copyright must be registered with the copyright office (www.copyright.gov).
Some say that you can secure a "poor man's copyright" by putting a copy of your finished work in an envelope, mailing it to yourself, and leaving it sealed, (therefore "proving" that you created the work on or before the date it was mailed). However this does not hold up in court either.
So, the cheapest way to copyright music in the US is to go to www.copyright.gov, decide whether you want to use Form PA (to copyright the "idea" of the song,) or Form SR (to copyright the actual recording of the song,) and register it electronically. I believe it's $35 per work. May seem expensive if you have a lot of music, but think how worth it copyrighting your stuff could be... if someone steals your stuff and you can't prove that you made it before they did, you'll be very upset with yourself.
What else can I help you with?
Are song covers copyright free?
No, song covers are not copyright free. Covering a song without permission from the original copyright holder can lead to legal issues.
Where can you find free sheet music for Jeopardy theme song for a trombone?
Legally nowhere due to copyright law.
Are the covers provided copyright free?
No, the covers provided are not copyright free.
Can you copyright a name for free?
Yes, You can CopyRight a domain name for Free.... Just type "CopyRight a Name for Free" at the top of the page.... Choose wisely!
Is it copyright if you use a song but change some of the words of it?
That would be copyright infringement if the original song was protected.
How do you patent a song or poem?
You can't patent a song or poem, but you can copyright them to protect your original work. Copyright is automatically granted once the work is fixed in a tangible form (written down or recorded). Registering your copyright with the appropriate government agency can provide more legal protection in case of infringement.
You want to copyrite your book of old songs you have songlyrics to a song not in pd do you have a right to copyrite your book?
You can only copyright a song if you are the song's author. You can't copyright someone else's song. Although the author can sell you their copyright.
Why is copyright-free used?
Using copyright-free materials is much cheaper and easier than negotiating for a license with the copyright holder of a protected work.
What is an example of a copyright violation?
When you directly quote what someone else has written without their written consent. When you offer free downloading of a popular song that was just released or is still in copyright (95 years in most cases).
What year did the Beatles receive their copyright?
Each song has its own copyright year.
Is singing a song considered copyright infringement?
Singing a song in private for personal enjoyment is not considered copyright infringement. However, performing a song in public or recording and distributing it without permission from the copyright holder may be considered infringement.
What is to free?
Free of copyright restrictions (generally speaking).
