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Music is all about ownership and claiming what's yours, in order to make a residual off of your work. We've layed out a great list of the best ways to copyright and trademark your music in order to properly own your creativity.

Copyright/Trademark your Music

knowem?

knowem? helps bands and artists search for free over 575 popular social networks, over 150 domain names, and the entire USPTO Trademark Database to instantly secure your brand on the internet. They even have a paid service that helps you register your name.

Legal Zoom

Location: Los Angeles, CA 90028
Legal Zoom is the cheapest way we have found to apply for a trademark on a band name or tag line. They also can help with copywriting songs. You do the entire process online.

NameChk

NameChk is a great free tool to check if your band name is taken across 70 plus social networks.

United States Copyright Office

Location: Washington, WA 20559-6000
This government website has the forms to fill out to copyright your songs.

United States Patent and Trademark Organization

Location: Alexandria, VA 22314
This government website is helpful to see if your name is taken and how to trademark your name so no one can take it and all the forms you need.

"Before you settle in on a band name check to see if someone else has taken it by doing a quick check on google, my space, and USPTO website. All are free searches. "

"Getting an official registered service mark for a band name or logo is the best way to protect your rights to use them but costs can run about $1500 for filing with the government and $1500 in lawyer fees. You can register in your state for a much lower fee. Some states are under $100 but just protects you in that state. "

"If you are a musician or songwriter, the copyright law affects your craft, so it is important to have a basic understanding of it. The term "copyright" really means that the creator has the right to copy. If an artist writes an original song, that artist is the owner of the copyright. As it pertains to artists in general, the copyright law basically grants the creator the right to (1) reproduce (e.g., make copies), (2) distribute (e.g., sell copies) and (3) perform (e.g., play the song live). www.benmclane.com"

"A band contemplating a serious career in the business would be well advised to take the necessary steps to protect its name by obtaining trademark protection. That way, the act will not only be secure in knowing that it has acquired the right to the name, but also the artist will not be sued for infringing someone else's name. www.benmclane.com"