Copyrights, Trademarks and General Music Business Information

A practical overview of common protections for music creators and businesses including copyright registration, performance royalties, mechanical licensing, and trademarks.

Copyrights

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, including for ownership research.

Performing Rights

Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) collect and distribute performance royalties when music is publicly performed, including at venues, on radio, on television, and in 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

Mechanical royalties are generally tied to reproductions and distributions of musical works, both physical and digital. Licensing and administration can depend on the type of use and how the catalog is represented.

• 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.

Digital Royalties

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.

Trademarks

A trademark can protect names, logos, and brands used in commerce, such as 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 or logo may already be registered.
• Texas Secretary of State — Trademarks
  State-level trademark information and filing guidance.

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

Business Filings

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, including LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits.
• 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.