How to protect your music

Step 1: Document ownership immediately

Create a split sheet for every co-written song. Do it during or immediately after the session. This is the single most important step.

Step 2: Use the right agreement

For co-writers: split sheet or co-writer agreement. For hired contractors: work-for-hire agreement. Using the wrong document — or no document — is the most common cause of music disputes.

Step 3: Register with your PRO

Register every song with your performing rights organization (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, PRS) using the agreed percentages from your split sheet.

Step 4: Consider copyright registration

Formal copyright registration strengthens your ability to enforce ownership if a dispute goes to court. In the US, register through copyright.gov.

Step 5: Keep records

Save all signed documents, session notes, and communication. Digital records in a platform like CAZEN provide timestamped, co-signed proof that’s harder to dispute than PDFs or email threads.