Copyright Ownership in Music
Copyright grants exclusive rights to the creator of an original work in music. Co-authors of a song jointly own copyright in that work. Absent an agreement, co-authors each own an equal, undivided interest in the copyrights.
Finding Copyright Ownership
To find copyright ownership, search resources like ASCAP’s ACE Database. It lists writers, performers, publishers, and titles for both ASCAP and non-ASCAP songs.
Licensing Cost and Ownership
The cost to license a copyrighted song varies widely. Licensing a track from a small artist may cost less than $100, while a song by a major artist or label can cost thousands.
The individual who writes or records an original song owns the copyright. Copyright can be transferred. If you buy a ghost production, rights transfer to you.
To contact a song’s copyright owner, find the notice on a recording or sheet music. Search the song title, writer, or publisher on CCLI, ASCAP, BMI, and more.