I have begun to write my first animation screenplay. I am incorporating songs into the screenplay. My question is: Do we need to copyright the lyrics in the screenplay separately than the screenplay or when the screenplay is registered the lyrics are automatically protected as well?
Animation : Lyrics Protection by Vikki Harris
Lyrics Protection
Other topics in Animation:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
3 people like this
Vikki Harris If the lyrics are your original work, they are already protected the moment you write them. Registering the screenplay will cover the script as a whole, but it does not magically turn lyrics into a separate music copyright. If you want stronger legal protection, you register the lyrics as a song or literary work on their own.
If the lyrics belong to someone else, even if you include them in the screenplay, you do not own or control them. You will still need permission or licensing to use them in production.
Bottom line: your script copyright covers your script. Song lyrics are a separate beast unless you wrote them yourself.
3 people like this
Ibukunoluwa Akinsika Great job with answering this! Vikki Harris You may also consider consulting with a qualified professional to ensure the matter is handled in the most appropriate and legally sound manner.