Why Protection Matters
Your music catalog is one of your most valuable assets. Proper protection ensures you maintain control over your work, receive proper compensation, and can take legal action if your rights are violated.
IAM provides comprehensive guides and tools to help you protect your intellectual property from unauthorized use, sampling, and distribution.
Copyright Registration
Understanding Copyright
Copyright protection exists automatically when you create original music, but registration provides legal advantages. In the U.S., register with the U.S. Copyright Office. IAM's video modules walk you through the entire registration process step-by-step.
What to Register
Register both the sound recording (master) and the musical composition (publishing). Each provides different protections. IAM's guides explain when to register each type and how to do it efficiently.
Monitoring & Enforcement
IAM's Music Catalog Protector tool (available in higher tiers) helps you:
- Monitor for unauthorized use of your music online
- Detect sampling and interpolation without permission
- Track distribution across platforms
- Generate takedown notices when violations are found
Regular monitoring helps you catch violations early and take action before they cause significant damage to your catalog's value.
Best Practices
- Register copyrights as soon as you complete a song
- Keep detailed records of creation dates and contributors
- Use proper contracts for collaborations
- Monitor your catalog regularly for unauthorized use
- Work with legal professionals for complex situations