Q. Who owns the Copyright?
Q. How do I register my Copyright?
Q. How do I protect Copyright in my work?
Q. How long does Copyright last in Singapore?
Q. How long does Copyright last in Singapore?
Q. If I collaborate with one or more writers, how is the term of Copyright measured?

Q. Who owns the Copyright?
A. In most cases, the Copyright of a work vests initially in its creator. However, under circumstances where the work was made by someone under the employment of another, the employer may retain the Copyright. If the original creator of the work has died, the Copyright would fall to the estate of the deceased.

Q. How do I register my Copyright?
A. You do not have to register Copyright. It automatically subsists as soon as an original work is created, in writing or put into any material form, eg. musical scores, cassette, CD etc.

As no formal registration of Copyright is required, in the event of a dispute over authorship, ownership or originality, there is no standard way of proving that one work was in existence before another.

Registration of works with COMPASS is one of the ways that may help to substantiate existence of work at a given date. Another possible way is to send a recording or copy of the work to yourself by registered post, and leave it unopened. These methods however do not prove that you created the song; rather, it only helps establish the date you claim the song came into existence.

Q. How do I protect Copyright in my work?
A.  When a piece of music is created, the Composer/Author is entitled to its Copyright.  COMPASS can assist you in the administration and enforcement of the Performing Rights if you become a member. You may also opt to assign the Reproduction Rights to the Society for administration.

Q. How long does Copyright last in Singapore?
A. Generally speaking, the Copyright of a musical work does not expire until 70 years after the end of the calendar year in which the writer of the work died.  However, if a work is first published after his death, and there are no other public records of the work being offered for sale, the Copyright will last for 70 years from the date of first publication.

Q. If I collaborate with one or more writers, how is the term of Copyright measured?
A. As long as you and your collaborators do not work for hire, the 70-year period is measured from the date of the death of the last surviving collaborator.