Is registering a song with BMI the same as copyright?

Registering a song with BMI will only allow you to receive performance royalties if that song gets performed; it does not give you protection under copyright law.

Does the songwriter own the copyright?

Who owns the song copyright? The composer of the music and the writer of the lyrics are the first owners of copyright in them. If you co-write, agree with your co-writers how the copyright and income generated by the songs will be divided.

Does BMI count as copyright?

Your composition is copyrighted automatically when the work is “created,” which the law defines as being “fixed” in a copy or a recording for the first time. BMI does not copyright works for you. If you wish to copyright your works, which we recommend, visit copyright.gov.

Can you register with BMI and ASCAP?

You can use the same business entity (e.g. LLC) when registering as a publisher with ASCAP and BMI, but your affiliation name should be slightly different with each society.

Does BMI get YouTube royalties?

Collection societies such as BMI and ASCAP have blanket licences with Google-owned YouTube, which currently only pays royalties of about $40 per million streams, according to recent royalty statements. This licence is granted directly by songwriters and publishers.

Does BMI collect publishing royalties?

They do not, but here’s a rundown of how to get that handled. Mechanical royalties earned from streams, downloads, and physical sales are not collected by Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) like BMI. Global mechanical royalties are handled by publishers.

Can I join both BMI and ASCAP?

How do I Register my song with BMI?

The most efficient way to register your song (or work) with BMI is through your online account. Songs registered online are available in BMI’s Repertoire Catalog almost immediately. (You may also use the downloadable work registration form.)

How can BMI help new songwriters with music copyright?

Musical copyright is complex and often confusing to the new songwriter. BMI’s Writer/Publisher Relations department is available to help you over the rough spots and answer any questions you may have about your songs, compositions and copyright. For our phone numbers and addresses, click here.

What happens to my music after BMI license expires?

Generally, if BMI has a final license agreement with a music user (licensee) and the license has not yet expired at the time your works are otherwise removed from BMI’s repertoire, BMI retains the right to license your works to that music user for the duration of their license agreement.

Can I delete a work that has incorrect information from BMI?

A work that has been registered with incorrect information may not need to be deleted from BMI’s records—it is possible to revise the information per these guidelines. For all work update requests provide work names, BMI work numbers and BMI account numbers if possible.