Songwriting Certification Exam

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Two songwriters, a lyricist and a composer, create a song together. The lyricist writes all the words, and the composer creates all the music. They do not sign a split sheet or any written agreement. According to U.S. Copyright Law, what is the default ownership split of the song?

The lyricist owns 100% of the lyrics, and the composer owns 100% of the music, as two separate copyrights. They each own 50% of the entire copyrighted work, with undivided interest. Ownership is determined by the publisher based on the perceived commercial value of each contribution. The first person to register the work with the U.S. Copyright Office is granted 100% ownership.

Correct Answer:

They each own 50% of the entire copyrighted work, with undivided interest.

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