Protect your
musical creations
Beats, songs, lyrics, demos, stems, DAW projects — a dated proof can prevent months of litigation.
✓ 1 free deposit · ✓ No credit card required · ✓ ~2 minutes · ✓ Proof for life
🚨 Without proof, you cannot prove anything.
Your beat can be reused
Copied, published under another name, modified via AI — without a dated proof, it's impossible to demonstrate authorship.
Your lyrics can be stolen
A text sent via DM or by email can be used without agreement or credit — especially in collaboration.
A collaboration can go wrong
Without a clear timeline, conflicts over splits and authorship can last for months.
In the age of AI, a audio file can be copied, modified, and reposted in seconds. A dated proof changes the balance of power.
What is protect your musical creations ?
Protecting your musical creations involves establishing proof of prior existence that shows a work existed at a specific date and that you are the author. In cases of plagiarism, uncredited reuse, or collaboration disputes, this proof helps defend your rights.
Automatic copyright
In France and in 180+ countries, copyright arises as soon as a creation is made, without formalities. The problem: you need to prove prove that you are the author at a specific date.
Proof of prior existence
The version sent (label, artist, DM, Drive) is the one that must be proven. That's why professionals deposit each key version — V1, V2, pre-master, master.
Why it's urgent in 2026
In the AI era (remix, stem separation, re-synthesis), a version can be transformed and republished quickly. The dated proof fixes the chronology — it’s your safety net.
The methods for protect your musical creations
The best method depends on your use. In all cases, the ideal is a dated proof, linked to the file and easy to present.
| Method | For what? | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| TuneLockr Recommended | Proof related to the deposited version | ~2 min, clear certificate, library, versions | Need to deposit before sending |
| e-Soleau (INPI) | Proof of creation (file deposit) | Official administrative framework FR | Less suitable for version/version workflow, 15 days |
| SACEM | Collective management of rights | Recognised management structure, royalties | Not a "workflow" solution per version |
| Email to yourself | Basic trace | Quick and free | Weak proof, easily contestable |
Official sources: SACEM · INPI — e-Soleau · eIDAS — EU trust services
Protecting your musical creations:
the version workflow
Professionals deposit each key version — V1, V2, pre-master, master. Here's when to act.
As soon as your idea exists as a file — even if imperfect. It's often the most valuable proof in case of a dispute.
✓ EssentialBefore sending to a label, manager, curator or collaborator — deposit the exact version you are sending. This is the most critical moment.
✓ EssentialSubmit your existing contribution before the session. In case of a disagreement over authorship, your submission clearly defines your input.
✓ EssentialWhen the arrangement is set and before the final mix. This version represents a distinct stage from the initial demo.
◎ RecommendedThe version you will distribute on Spotify, YouTube, or physically. Essential before any official release.
✓ EssentialSubmit the lyrics in PDF or TXT separately — they are often the most copied elements and the hardest to defend without dated proof.
✓ EssentialChecklist: protect your musical creations
(to copy-paste)
Use this checklist before sending, collaborating, or releasing. Goal: zero regrets.
Before sending
Submit the exact version you intend to share — WAV, MP3, ZIP, PDF, text.
In collaboration
Submit the key versions and note the timeline of contributions — beat, topline, text.
Before release
Submit pre-master/master + teaser if you publish a snippet before the release.
At each milestone
V1, V2, pre-master, master — distinct proof for each significant version.
Archiving
Keep your certificates in a dedicated folder + cloud and local backup.
Documentation
Keep dated emails and DMs — useful in addition to the certificate.
Protecting your musical creations:
according to your profile
Each profile has specific needs. Here is the method for each case.
Beatmakers & Producers
Submit the sent ZIP (or WAV/MP3 export) before each send to an artist or client. For a beat sold exclusively, also submit the stems separately.
Authors & Topliners
Submit your text as soon as it is shareable — even before recording. In collaboration, submit the sent version (PDF/text) + a dated version with each major rewrite.
Artists — Before release
Before teaser, upload or send media/label: upload the master (or pre-master). If you publish an excerpt, also upload the exact version of the teaser — even an MP4.
Studios & DAW Projects
Disputes often arise over "who did what." Set milestones: DAW project (or stems), V1, V2, then pre-master/master. A version library = a clear timeline.
🎁 Upload the version you are going to share today
1st upload free without credit card. ~2 minutes. Valid proof for life.
Get my certificate →Mistakes that weaken protection
of your musical creations
❌ Sending an unregistered demo
If the shared version becomes the reference in a dispute, you want to be able to prove it was yours before it went out.
❌ Registering too late
Proof made after sharing is easier to contest. The right move: register before sending — not after.
❌ Not registering key versions
If V1 and master are different, the proof must match the version in question. Register the important milestones.
❌ Relying on screenshots
Screenshots can complement a file, but they are rarely strong proof on their own.
❌ Forgetting collaborations
Without a clear timeline of contributions, conflicts escalate. Protect versions and document exchanges.
❌ Confusing SACEM with proof
SACEM manages rights after broadcast — it does not create proof of prior existence before broadcast. TuneLockr does what it doesn't.
Questions about protection
of musical creations
Yes — copyright automatically arises the moment an original work is created, without formality. But in a dispute, you must prove you are the author at a specific date. That's the role of the TuneLockr certificate: an irrefutable, timestamped proof of prior existence, valid in 170+ countries. First upload free →
It's possible to have free traces (email, cloud, messages), but such proofs are weak and contestable in court. TuneLockr offers a 1st free upload without credit card — the best compromise for genuine, timestamped proof of prior existence without initial costs.
No — the SACEM manages the right to remuneration after commercial broadcasting. It does not establish prior evidence before broadcasting. TuneLockr is complementary: deposit on TuneLockr before broadcasting, join SACEM to collect royalties after. See: SACEM vs TuneLockr.
Not every minor version — but strategic versions: the version sent to a third party, important milestones (V1, arrangement, pre-master, master) and the lyrics. The timeline of versions is often the key factor in case of a dispute over authorship.
A TuneLockr certificate contains: the exact date and time of deposit (Tezos blockchain timestamp), the cryptographic hash of the deposited file, the author's information and a verifiable reference on the blockchain. Compliant with the eIDAS regulation, valid in 170+ countries.
A TuneLockr certificate is valid for life — the proof is permanently and immutably recorded on the Tezos blockchain. Even if TuneLockr were to disappear, the proof would remain verifiable on the blockchain.
Yes — it's even recommended. You can deposit from the demo, a mockup or a first draft of lyrics. The sooner you deposit, the stronger your protection. TuneLockr accepts MP3, WAV, PDF, TXT, ZIP and all common formats.
The rule: deposit the exact version you will send on TuneLockr before sending it. 2 minutes. Immediate certificate. Then send it to the label. If the demo circulates and a dispute arises, your certificate proves your priority. See: complete music protection guide.
In collaboration: deposit your contribution before the session, deposit intermediate versions and the final version. Document exchanges (emails, DMs). Formalise the rights percentages in writing from the creation. A clear timeline of TuneLockr deposits is your best protection.
The best protection is a dated record of priority before any distribution. In case of plagiarism: gather your certificate + original files, report to the platform (YouTube, Spotify), send a formal notice, consult an intellectual property lawyer. See: music plagiarism guide.
No—no protection physically prevents theft. But proof of prior creation changes the balance of power : it allows you to prove you are the original author, contest plagiarism effectively, and defend your rights. Late proof is much harder to assert.
TuneLockr offers a 1st free upload without credit card — this is the fastest method to protect a beat for free. Submit the WAV or MP3 file before any sending. The timestamped certificate proves this beat was yours at that specific date. See: how to protect a beat.
🎵 Your creations deserve
real protection.
A simple deposit can save you months of litigation. Deposit before sending.
✓ No card · ✓ ~2 minutes · ✓ Valid proof for life · ✓ 170+ countries
Protect every type of musical creation
Dedicated guides for each element of your catalog.
How to protect its music
Complete guide 2026.
Read →Protect lyrics
Dedicated guide 2026.
Read →Protect a beat
Beatmakers guide.
Read →Protect an audio file
3 legal methods.
Read →SACEM vs TuneLockr
Distinct roles.
Read →Protect a musical work
2026 Guide.
Read →Protect on YouTube
Content ID + TuneLockr.
Read →Plagiarism Detection
What to do in case of plagiarism.
Read →Music copyright
Complete guide 2026.
Read →Protect my music
Beathoven Guide 2026.
Read →Official sources: INPI · SACEM · Legifrance — CPI · eIDAS · Tezos
