ION INDIE MAGAZINE September 2016, Volume 28 | Page 106

Sound Recording Notice
Remember from our previous blog, defining the difference between a song and a sound recording (aka
master)? It also matters as it relates to the copyright notices. After all, they are separate intellectual
properties, and both need to be protected. In addition, they can also be owned by different people, most
typically in the case of a record label release. This part discusses the proper notice for a sound recording.
As we talked about earlier, a circle-C notice defines copyright over a song. A circle-P notice (from the legal
term phonorecord) defines copyright over a sound recording. A sound recording notice looks something like
this:
℗ 2016 RPJ Records. All Rights Reserved.
A recording notice follows the same rules: circle-p, year of creation, and the owner. For a formal release, it’s
always recommended to add “All Rights Reserved,” unless you’re using a Creative Commons license to allow
certain uses of your works. The “All Rights Reserved” notice specifically defines all rights are controlled and
under ownership.
It’s important to note: whether it’s on the credits or not, every sound recording has a circle-P and a circle-C:
in other words, someone owns the song, and someone owns the sound recording. As an indie artist, you are
probably the owner of both, but not always. Even if you cut a great deal with a record label, chances are they
own the masters, not you. Every deal is different, so be sure to check your fine print.
So, a COMPLETE