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"The French Connection" - that is, if I get help releasing either-or-both of these on radio in Paris - the co-writer suggests I copyright the English version as well.
I could use some directions/instructions - HOW TO DO THAT?



In advance: thank you.

The second would be a classic example of a 'derivative work'.

a random link: https://www.finnegan.com/en/insights/ar ... works.html

You'd have to check with a music attorney but I don't **think** you need to copyright a translation as it is covered by the original copyright (e.g. one in English). But you really need an answer from someone qualified.

Casey H wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 09, 2021 8:29 pm

You'd have to check with a music attorney but I don't **think** you need to copyright a translation as it is covered by the original copyright (e.g. one in English). But you really need an answer from someone qualified.

Well, until legal advice can be purchased in the manner and price of a city parking meter - that aint likely gonna happen.

It's already copyrighted as soon as you put it down in tangible form

cosmicdolphin wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 10, 2021 12:37 pm

It's already copyrighted as soon as you put it down in tangible form

Yes that's true. What's being discussed is filing a copyright registration that offers protection. Without having a US Copyright registration, you cannot ever sue. Courts won't hear the case.

That being said, incidents of someone stealing our work are extremely rare. Not a lawyer but my understanding is to file a copyright infringement lawsuit, you need at least $75,000 worth of damages. That's pretty unlikely for one of our songs. Not impossible but not likely.

Best
Casey

Casey H wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 10, 2021 7:24 pm

. What's being discussed is filing a copyright registration that offers protection. Without having a US Copyright registration, you cannot ever sue. Courts won't hear the case.

I'm from the UK and we don't have any formal copyright registration

cosmicdolphin wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 11, 2021 9:18 am

Casey H wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 10, 2021 7:24 pm

. What's being discussed is filing a copyright registration that offers protection. Without having a US Copyright registration, you cannot ever sue. Courts won't hear the case.

I'm from the UK and we don't have any formal copyright registration

Yea, it's different in the US. However many writers outside the US will file copyright registrations with the US Library Of Congress for added protection, especially if pitching their music here. But again, stealing and you having enough damages to sue would be pretty rare. Obviously, if a major artist infringed on your work and made hundreds of thousands or millions, that would be different. As a Film/TV songwriter, I haven't filed a copyright in a very long time. I would only file one if my work was being considered for something major. But I can't advise anyone NOT to file a copyright as from a purely legal POV, that is the best protection.

funsongs wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 09, 2021 10:33 am

"The French Connection" - that is, if I get help releasing either-or-both of these on radio in Paris - the co-writer suggests I copyright the English version as well.
I could use some directions/instructions - HOW TO DO THAT?

Not legal advice, but whichever came first (English or French) to complete the song would be the original song (Form PA) copyright. The second language adaptation would be a derivative copyright, and you'd note that the music is excluded, and would reference the original copyright in the filing for the derivative work. The derivative work would likely have some additional information, too, such as the translator as lyricist, and, depending on the legal agreement between you may or may also be a copyright claimant in the derivative.

RPaul wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 08, 2021 7:16 pm

funsongs wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 09, 2021 10:33 am

"The French Connection" - that is, if I get help releasing either-or-both of these on radio in Paris - the co-writer suggests I copyright the English version as well.
I could use some directions/instructions - HOW TO DO THAT?

Not legal advice, but whichever came first (English or French) to complete the song would be the original song (Form PA) copyright. The second language adaptation would be a derivative copyright, and you'd note that the music is excluded, and would reference the original copyright in the filing for the derivative work. The derivative work would likely have some additional information, too, such as the translator as lyricist, and, depending on the legal agreement between you may or may also be a copyright claimant in the derivative.

Thanks for your post.
FYI: the English version came first, actually with different instrumentation & treatment. My Gypsy/Jazz interpretation AND the French rendition followed.
It was inspired by the music from the movie "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels".
The translation was done by friends of mine assisting the vocalist - who did the lioness's share, and who is multi-lingual in her performing... and all that was 'included' in her WFH.
Merci beaucoup.