In the United States, copyright protection for your original song begins the moment you fix it in a tangible form, such as through a lead sheet or a recorded video. This means that as soon as you write down your melody, lyrics, or any musical notation, you establish your rights as the creator. To maintain your copyright, ensure that your lead sheet is clearly labeled with your name and the date of creation. Additionally, while registration with the U.S. Copyright Office is not required, it provides legal benefits and is advisable if you plan to pursue any commercial interests. By submitting your lead sheet and video in this competition, you continue to hold the rights to your work.
By entering this songwriting competition, contestants grant the organizers permission to use their submitted works—such as lead sheets and videos—in promotional materials, YouTube playlists, and other distribution channels. This consent allows us to showcase the talent of participants and promote the competition effectively. However, contestants retain all rights to their intellectual property and maintain full ownership of their original songs. This means you can continue to use, share, and commercialize your work independently while allowing us to highlight your creativity in our promotional efforts.