Music Copyright: Complete Guide for Artists & Labels
Finally understand how copyright works in music: creation, protection, contracts, publishing, distribution. Beathoven guides you to the best resources to protect and enhance your works.
What is music copyright?
Copyright protects any original creation from the moment it is recorded or materially fixed. In music, this covers the melody, lyrics, sound production, arrangements, and performance.
- Automatic protection from creation
- No mandatory registration, but advisable
- Moral rights (intellectual property) & economic rights (earnings)
- Duration: 70 years after the author’s death
Why it’s essential for an artist
In a digital world where works are freely shared, understanding your rights is vital. They ensure the recognition of your work and guarantee you fair remuneration.
Beathoven supports artists in professionalising their project, in partnership with Tunelockr and Musilaw.
Protecting your music effectively
Although protection is automatic, it’s advisable to prove the creation date of your work in case of disputes. For this, we recommend:
- Tunelockr — certified and timestamped digital deposit (1 free deposit offered via Beathoven)
- Deposit with SACEM or a bailiff / notary
- Preservation of source files and proof of creation
Contracts and transfer of rights
When working with a label, a producer or a publisher, it is essential to formalise the transfer of your rights with a contract. This clarifies who owns what, for how long, and for what use.
Beathoven recommends the bank of templates Musilawspecialised in music contracts legal and customisable.
- Production, publishing, licensing, management contracts…
- Drafted by lawyers specialising in music law
- Modifiable and ready for immediate use
Practical summary
- Your creations are protected from the moment they exist
- Registration proves your authorship in case of dispute
- Contracts guide distribution and monetisation
- Organisations manage rights collection
Beathoven, partner in your career
Our mission: to support artists in all aspects of their musical development — from strategy to protecting their works. Explore our other divisions:
Protect, structure, and enhance your music
Copyrights are not just a formality — they are the foundation of a sustainable career. With Tunelockr and Musilaw, you have simple, fast, and accessible tools to secure your creations and collaborations.
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