According to U.S. copyright law, once you have captured your lyrics in a fixed format, you automatically obtain the exclusive rights of that creation, whether it's published or not. But when you wish to have valid documented proof that shows others you are the author of those lyrics, fortunately there are several ways you can copyright your lyrics for free. On the Internet, one of the options provides you with a copyright license for your website or blog where your lyrics might be stored, or a file-upload service that registers and protects your work.

Free Copyright Through the Internet

Create your lyrics in a word processing document. Include your full name and the date you created each song or lyric material. You may create a separate document for each of your lyrics, or include all of them in one common document. Go to MyFreeCopyright.com. Log in or sign up for free, if you don't have an account already. Once you have logged in, click on the ''Protect My Creation'' button. A page will display three button options for you to choose the type of work you wish to protect: ''File,'' ''Blog/Podcast,'' or ''Web Page.'' Click on the ''File'' button. A File entry page will display. Write the title of your song under the ''Title'' text field. Copy and paste your lyrics from the word processing document into the ''Description'' box in the File entry page. Select the ''Lyrics/Composition'' option from the ''Category'' drop-down menu. Click on the ''Browse'' button next to the ''File'' section and locate the document that contains the corresponding lyrics. Finally, click on the ''Protect'' button at the bottom of the page. Once this process is completed, click on the ''Would you like to view your Registered Copyright?'' This will show you the details of your copyright, including a digital fingerprint and an email confirmation with the same information for your records.

Free Copyright with a Blog or Website

If your lyric content is posted on a blog or website, protect it following the same process as above, only this time choose the ''Blog/Podcast'' option instead of the ''File'' submission option. MyFreeCopyright.com will provide you an email confirmation with a record of all your copyrighted material, as well as an HTML code containing your copyright label. You add this code to your site or blog so that visitors will see your copyright label.

Free Copyright Through Creative Commons on the Web

Obtain a customized copyright license for any content you have on the web through Creative Commons. If you store your lyrics on a website or blog, Creative Commons allows you to determine the flexibility or strictness of how you wish your work to be used on the web. You may prohibit or allow commercial use, or modifications of your work. To obtain a license, go to CreativeCommons.org. Click on the ''License your work'' link. Fill in the information as you desire, including the title of your work and your website or blog's web address, and confirm by pressing the "Select a License." Select the Creative Commons License label that you wish to appear on your website or blog. Copy the HTML code provided on that page and paste it on your website or blog, so that your license displays for users to view.

Free Copyright Through Traditional Mail

Mail your lyrics to yourself through the traditional envelope, stamp, and mail system. This will serve the purpose of providing you with valid, documented proof that on that date you created the lyrics enclosed in the envelope. Simply write all your lyrics neatly on a piece of paper, include your full name and the current date. Place the page in an envelope, address it to yourself, seal the envelope and mail it. When you receive it, leave it unopened.

Source:

MyFreeCopyright.com

Copyright.com: Copyright Basics

Creative Commons: License your work