| What is Copyright? | | | | · In the case of sound recordings, to perform the |
| The Copyright Act usually gives the copyright owner | | | | work publicly by means of a digital audio transmission. |
| the exclusive right to do and to authorize others to do | | | | How do I protect my original music compositions? |
| the following: | | | | There are a few things that you can do to ensure that |
| · To reproduce the work in written copies, mp3s, | | | | your work is protected: |
| Cds, Dvds etc; | | | | 1. Somewhere on your sheet music (usually at the top |
| · To prepare derivative works based upon the | | | | or bottom) you should put the symbol © (the |
| work; | | | | letter 'C' in a circle) and/or the word "Copyright"; |
| · To distribute the written copies or Cds/Dvds of | | | | 2. Write down the first year of publication of the music. |
| the work to the public by sale or other transfer of | | | | E.g. "2005"; |
| ownership, or by rental, lease, or lending; | | | | 3. Include the name of the composer. |
| · To perform the work publicly, in the case of | | | | 4. You can post yourself a sealed copy of your own |
| literary, musical, dramatic, and choreographic works, | | | | work, which, when it arrives will have a date stamped |
| pantomimes, and motion pictures and other audiovisual | | | | on it. |
| works; | | | | Do not open the envelope. |
| · To display the copyrighted work publicly, in the | | | | Store it in a safe place. |
| case of literary, musical, dramatic, and choreographic | | | | 5. Register your work with the music copyright |
| works, pantomimes, and pictorial, graphic, or sculptural | | | | association in your country. In Australia it is the |
| works, including the individual images of a motion | | | | Australian Performing Right Association. These days, |
| picture or other audiovisual work; and | | | | you can join and submit work online. |