Short answer: Zeb Chandler files copyright registrations for music, video and writing, sets up publishing and royalty collection registrations for songwriters, artists and labels, and reviews royalty statements and audits. He also handles takedowns and demands when work is used without permission.
Copyright registrations
- Sound recordings and musical works, including single songs, albums and group registrations
- Audiovisual works: music videos, films, series and YouTube content
- Literary works: books, scripts and written content
- Chain-of-title cleanup when ownership is split among writers, producers and companies
Registration with the U.S. Copyright Office is generally required before you can sue for infringement in the U.S., and registering on time makes statutory damages and attorney's fees available. It also makes a catalog easier to license, finance or sell.
Royalty collection: who collects what
| Royalty | Paid on | Collected by |
|---|---|---|
| Performance (composition) | Radio, streaming, TV, live venues | A PRO such as BMI or ASCAP, to writers and publishers |
| Mechanical (composition) | Streams and downloads in the U.S. | The MLC for streaming; publishers and administrators |
| Digital performance (recording) | Non-interactive streaming, satellite and internet radio | SoundExchange, to master owners and featured artists |
| Master income | Streams, sales, video | Your distributor or label, under your contract |
| Sync | Film, TV, ads, games | Negotiated license fees, to both copyright owners |
Zeb registers songs and recordings with the right organizations, sets up split sheets so every writer and producer is credited correctly, and coordinates with publishers and administrators.
Royalty audits and statement reviews
If the numbers don't look right, Zeb reviews your statements against your contract, identifies what's missing and, where the contract allows, starts an audit or a demand. Audit windows are usually limited, so it pays to look early.
Copyright and royalty questions
Do I need to register my music with the Copyright Office?
Your work is protected by copyright as soon as it's fixed, but registration matters. In the U.S. you generally need a registration before suing for infringement, and timely registration makes statutory damages and attorney's fees available.
What's the difference between a sound recording and a musical work?
A song has two copyrights. The musical work (composition) is the melody and lyrics, owned by songwriters and publishers. The sound recording (master) is the recorded performance, owned by the artist or label. Each earns different royalties through different organizations.
Where do I register songs so I get paid?
Songwriters and publishers register compositions with a performing rights organization such as BMI or ASCAP for performance royalties, and with The MLC for U.S. streaming mechanicals. Owners of recordings and featured artists register with SoundExchange for digital performance royalties. Distributors and YouTube Content ID cover other income.
What is a royalty audit?
A review of the statements and records behind what a label, publisher or distributor paid you, checked against what your contract says you're owed. Most contracts give you a limited window to audit, so timing matters.
Can you help if someone used my music without permission?
Yes. Zeb can review the facts, send a takedown or demand, and work with litigation counsel if a lawsuit is needed.