The U.S. Copyright Office (Library of Congress) handles registrations for songs, sound recordings, and other creative works. Online filing is typically the simplest place to start.

• U.S. Copyright Office Official portal for registration, guidance, and help resources.
• Registration overview Start here to understand work types, deposits, and filing steps.
• FAQs Quick answers to common filing and eligibility questions.
• Search registrations / catalog Research catalog records and registrations (helpful for ownership research).

Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) collect and distribute performance royalties when music is publicly performed (venues, radio, TV, and other public performance uses). They also provide searchable repertories.

• ASCAP Membership information, licensing, and repertory search.
• BMI Membership information, licensing, and repertoire database.
• SESAC Writer/publisher relations and licensing.
• Search BMI repertoire Look up song titles, writers, and publishers.
• Search ASCAP repertory Look up song titles, writers, and publishers.

Tip: Before searching, have the song title and songwriter name(s) handy for more accurate results.

Mechanical royalties are generally tied to reproductions and distributions of musical works (physical and digital). Licensing and administration can depend on use type and catalog representation.

• Harry Fox Agency Mechanical licensing and administration resources.
• The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) Information on U.S. blanket mechanical licensing for eligible digital services.
• Contact the Texas Music Office If you’re unsure who administers a catalog or what license type applies.

Sound recording digital performance royalties (for certain non-interactive digital services) are commonly administered in the U.S. through SoundExchange.

• SoundExchange Registration, eligibility, claims, and guidance for artists and rights holders.
• ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) Identifiers for sound recordings used widely in distribution and royalty workflows.

A trademark can protect names, logos, and brands used in commerce (for example: band names, venue names, festival brands, and product lines).

• USPTO Trademarks (federal) Overview of the federal trademark process and filing guidance.
• Trademark search Research whether a name/logo may already be registered.
• Texas Secretary of State — Trademarks State-level trademark information and filing guidance.

Tip: Keep records of your brand use (flyers, listings, screenshots, press, dated ads). Documentation can help establish usage history.

If you operate under a business name, sell merchandise, or formalize an organization, you may need filings and permits depending on your structure and activities.

• Texas Secretary of State Entity formation and statutory filings (LLC, corporation, nonprofit, etc.).
• GS1 US (UPCs / barcodes) UPC guidance and applications for products.
• Texas Comptroller — Sales tax permits Permits and compliance information for selling taxable items in Texas.

Note: Requirements can vary by business structure and activity. When in doubt, consult a qualified attorney or tax professional.