Registered mail cant protect copyright

[MalikZiplock]

Hey Everyone

I did some research and found out that lots of artists register their work with the post office. They call it the poor mans way, but I found out that the post offices only keeps record of a work sent in their registered mail archives from 1-9 years, depending on the service provider you use. Well copyright exists for “50 years past the death of the last standing author” in Canada and 70 years in the USA. Also the copyright office told me that the post office doesn’t collect enough substantial data, which would satisfies the requirements of the courts. So in fact the post office doesn’t work.

The other way is with the Copyright office. Unfortunately it’s quite pricey!

Does anyone know of any other methods

Malik

 

[integra evan]

I think the copyright office is the only way to go. Actually in the US, the copyright is passed to kindred of the artist/composer, and stays active for an additional 75 years. After those 75 years are up (or all the kindred of the original artist have died, which ever comes first), it becomes public domain, which means all copyright laws on that piece is no longer effective.

 

[Wahwax]

But in a pinch, if you want to keep an idea safe until you can copyright it. If you show up in court with a sealed registered letter that is dated it will at least help prove your case that you had the idea first.

It's not perfect, but it's better than nothing.

 

[skatergirl4God]

I just put the (C) sign on the songs. It's not legally registered, but the other people don't know that.