Protect a song: ultimate guide for artists and producers
Have you written a song? Protect a song is essential to secure your copyright and avoid plagiarism. Here are reliable methods, a step-by-step tutorial, and a comprehensive FAQ to understand everything.
⏱️ Instant deposit • Blockchain certificate (Tezos) • eIDAS recognised • First deposit free
Why protect a song?
Copyright is automatically created upon creation, but in case of dispute you need prove the precedence. A clear, dated, and verifiable proof puts you in a strong position against platforms, labels, and producers.
What you gain
- Legally proving you are the author (lyrics, sheet music, audio).
- Reducing the risk of plagiarism and appropriation.
- Negotiating confidently with partners.
- Enhancing your music catalogue.
What a judge expects
- A certain date (timestamp reliable).
- A proof tamper-proof and verifiable.
- A strong link between the proof and the file (fingerprint/hash).
Methods & comparison to protect a song
| Method | Advantages | Limitations | Timeframe | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SACEM | Rights management, broad recognition | Fees and deadlines, not just proof of precedence | Days to weeks | Paid |
| Notary / Bailiff | Strong legal value | Higher cost, constraints | 1 to 7 days | High |
| Blockchain certificate (TuneLockr) | Fast, infallible, verifiable, eIDAS | Requires a third-party service | In just a few minutes | First deposit free |
| Registered letter to oneself | Economical | Legally fragile | 2–3 days | Low |
Tutorial: protect a song with TuneLockr
- Create an account: how does it work.
- Import your lyrics, sheet music or audio files.
- Instantly obtain a proof of prior art certificate timestamped (Tezos blockchain, eIDAS).
- Archive the certificate and fingerprint ID (hash) with your documents (contracts, split sheets).
Best practices to protect a song
Check-list
- Protect before any broadcast (YouTube, Spotify, SoundCloud).
- Register each significant version (lyrics, sheet music, audio).
- Archive DAW projects and dated exports.
- Use split sheets for co-authors.
Platforms
- YouTube: see protect your music on YouTube.
- Distribution: ISRC, metadata, fingerprints.
Resources (internal & external)
FAQ – Protect a song
How to protect a song for free?
With TuneLockr, your first deposit is free. You receive a timestamped and online verifiable certificate.
Is SACEM compulsory?
No. SACEM manages the rights, but proof of priority can be established via a blockchain certificate, bailiff, or notary. The approaches are complementary.
Can I protect only the lyrics?
Yes. Lyrics, scores, and audio files can be submitted separately to trace each element.
Is it valid internationally?
Yes, thanks to the eIDAS framework and the principles of the Berne Convention, recognized in many countries.
What formats are accepted?
Text (PDF, DOCX, TXT), scores (PDF/PNG/JPG), audio (MP3, WAV, FLAC…), ZIP archives (projects + exports).
Do I need to re-register with each version?
Recommended for each significant development (new verse, arrangement, mix) to maintain a convincing chronology.
Registered letter to oneself: is it useful?
Legally fragile method. Prefer modern proofs (blockchain certificate) or an official act.
What if someone copies my song?
Compile a file (certificates, exchanges, projects), have it recorded, contact the platform, and consult legal advice. Your certificate speeds up the procedure.