Musician's copyright

Copyright arises automatically

Copyright arises at creation — registration isn't required. But proof of authorship matters in disputes: deposit, notarized certification, dated publication.

Deposit & registration

In Ukraine you can deposit a work with UKRAANTO or get a copyright registration certificate — it's proof of date/authorship, not creation of the right.

Royalty types

Authors' royalties (for the song — writer/composer) and neighboring (for the recording — performer/label). Streaming pays both via distributor and CMO.

CMOs

UKRAANTO, UAASP, ULASP — collect royalties for public performance, radio, venues. Register and declare works — otherwise royalties never reach you.

Co-authorship

By agreement: shares fixed in a split sheet before release. Share disputes after release resolve on contribution evidence — demos, projects, correspondence.

Work for hire

Commissioned music — the contract defines the owner: by default the author, contract assigns economic rights to the client.

Infringement & claims

Order: evidence (notarized/dated screenshots) → claim → suit. Damage proof — lost royalties or comparable license cost.