Resource Library
Everything you need — explained clearly.
Plain-English guides, step-by-step checklists, and FAQs on copyright infringement, the Copyright Claims Board, federal court, registration, evidence, and finding an attorney. Written for artists and rights holders — not lawyers.
Featured · CCB
Why Independent Musicians Should Be Using the CCB (And Why They Aren't)
The CCB was built for the exact matters independent musicians face. It's still dramatically underused in the music industry — here's why, and what to do about it.
$30k
damages cap
$100
to file
No lawyer
required
Underused
in music
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- Infringement basics4Copyright InfringementUnderstand what copyright infringement is, how it happens online, and how to respond when your music is used without permission.Explore
- CCB claims3Copyright Claims Board (CCB)A plain-English guide to the small-claims copyright tribunal — who qualifies, what it costs, and how it compares to federal court.Explore
- Federal lawsuits0Federal Copyright LitigationWhen federal court is the right forum, what registration is required, and the remedies available under the Copyright Act.Explore
- Register your work1Music Copyright RegistrationHow to register songs and sound recordings with the U.S. Copyright Office, why timing matters, and typical costs.Explore
- Document the use1Evidence CollectionPractical checklists for capturing the URLs, dates, screenshots, and metadata an attorney will actually need.Explore
- Licenses & permissions0Music LicensingSync, mechanical, master, and public-performance rights explained for creators, businesses, and rights holders.Explore
- Commercial use3Business Use of MusicWhen a business needs a license to use your song — in ads, storefronts, videos, or social posts — and what to do when they don't get one.Explore
- For independent artists1Independent Artist Legal ResourcesLegal-education resources tailored to independent artists, songwriters, producers, and small labels.Explore
- Beyond copyright0General Legal HelpTrademark, contracts, licensing disputes, publicity rights, AI, and other legal matters creators run into.Explore
All resources
- ccbWhy Independent Musicians Should Be Using the CCB (And Why They Aren't)The CCB was built for the exact matters independent musicians face. It's still dramatically underused in the music industry — here's why, and what to do about it.
- business useA Business Used My Music Without Permission — What to DoThe moves that actually matter when a company posts, plays, or advertises with your music without paying for it.
- copyright infringementSomeone Used My Song on TikTok — Your Rights and OptionsTikTok's music library is licensed for personal posts, not for every use. Here's how to tell the difference and act quickly.
- copyright infringementSomeone Used My Music on Instagram — What You Can DoReels, Stories, and Ads all have different licensing rules — here's the practical playbook.
- artist resourcesThe Music Copyright Lawyer Guide for Independent ArtistsWhat a copyright attorney actually does, when you need one, and how to walk into the first meeting prepared.
- evidenceWhat Evidence Should I Collect Before Contacting an Attorney?The URLs, screenshots, dates, and ownership records a lawyer will actually want. Grab them before anything disappears.
- business useUnauthorized Commercial Use of Music — What It Is and What to DoAds, storefront videos, product launches, sponsored content — how to spot commercial use and what your options are when it's not licensed.
- business useCan a Business Use My Song Without Permission?The short answer: no. The long answer covers narrow exceptions and what you can actually do about it.
- registrationMusic Copyright Registration GuideYou own copyright the moment you create the work. Registration is what unlocks federal remedies.
- ccbHow to File a Copyright Claims Board (CCB) CaseThe CCB is designed for pro se claimants. Here's the file-order, step by step.
- ccbCopyright Claims Board vs Federal CourtCost, timeline, damages, procedure, and opt-out — how the CCB and federal court actually differ.
- copyright infringementHow to Know if Your Copyright Has Been InfringedNot every unauthorized use is an infringement — here's how to tell the difference.
- copyright infringementMusic Copyright FAQsTop questions about music copyright, licensing, and enforcement — answered in plain English.