Resources
The independent artist's music copyright library
Plain-English guides, step-by-step checklists, and FAQs on copyright infringement, the Copyright Claims Board, federal litigation, registration, evidence, and finding an attorney. Built for artists, songwriters, producers, and rights holders — not for lawyers.
GeeseTrace Intake helps independent artists, music rights holders, and creators organize potential copyright and legal matters and connect with attorneys who practice in copyright and related legal areas.
Browse by category
- Infringement basicsCopyright InfringementUnderstand what copyright infringement is, how it happens online, and how to respond when your music is used without permission.4 resources
- CCB claimsCopyright 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.2 resources
- Federal lawsuitsFederal Copyright LitigationWhen federal court is the right forum, what registration is required, and the remedies available under the Copyright Act.0 resources
- Register your workMusic Copyright RegistrationHow to register songs and sound recordings with the U.S. Copyright Office, why timing matters, and typical costs.1 resource
- Document the useEvidence CollectionPractical checklists for capturing the URLs, dates, screenshots, and metadata an attorney will actually need.1 resource
- Licenses & permissionsMusic LicensingSync, mechanical, master, and public-performance rights explained for creators, businesses, and rights holders.0 resources
- Commercial useBusiness 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.3 resources
- For independent artistsIndependent Artist Legal ResourcesLegal-education resources tailored to independent artists, songwriters, producers, and small labels.1 resource
- Beyond copyrightGeneral Legal HelpTrademark, contracts, licensing disputes, publicity rights, AI, and other legal matters creators run into.0 resources
Featured guides
- 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.