FAQ

  • I’ve read that my music remains registered even if I cancel my membership. Is this correct?
    • Yes, once you download the certificate you have the proof. It contains a “hash”, a calculated value or fingerprint that is unique to your song. It proves that the file that you uploaded is the file that SongSecure recorded on the block chain. Forever more your unique entry will be on the distributed ledger, and you need to place the SongSecure Certificate for your song, along with the file that you uploaded with no changes, in s safe location. If you change the name of the file, or make any edit at all, it will no longer be linked to the SongSecure certificate.
    • SongSecure will keep a copy on our servers as long as your membership is active, but will remove it if the membership is discontinued.
    • While your membership is active, SongSecure can provide a signed certification of the record and of the process that produced it: what file was submitted, what its hash was, and when it was written to the blockchain. A ledger entry has no one to stand behind it; this is the part a managed service adds. Whether any certification is accepted in a particular case is a decision for the court.
  • How effective will this be in ten years if someone were to use a song and I need to sue, even if I discontinue my membership?
    • The proof is permanent, and can be shown as long as you keep a copy of the file as uploaded, with no changes, and the certificate.
    • A signed certification can describe how the hash was calculated and show that the file existed, unchanged, at the time it was recorded.
  • Do I need to download the certificate and file it away? I imagine this certificate would be easy to replicate, so how effective would it be in court?
    • Yes, please download the certificate and keep it with the music file. I would suggest that you place them on a USB thumbdrive or USB backup drive, and print it, and keep it in a safety deposit box or similar safe location.
    • The information on the certificate is impossible to replicate unless the same computer algorithm is used to “prove” the validity with the same file, and a lookup is performed to obtain the information stored on the block chain.
  • I like this extra protection without filing every song with the Copyright Office separately (fees are $45 for a single application, $65 standard, $85 for a group of up to 10 unpublished works, or $65 for up to 20 works on one album), but eventually, this monthly payment may become something I may have to discontinue. What kind of problems will that present for me if I ever need to refer back to this SongSecure registration in the event that someone uses one of the songs that I have already uploaded without my consent?
    • While your membership is active, SongSecure can provide a signed certification of the record and of the process that produced it: what file was submitted, what its hash was, and when it was written to the blockchain. Whether any certification is accepted in a particular case is a decision for the court. If you were to no longer be a member, your attorney would work from the certificate and the original file, and may need someone else to explain the process to the court.
    • Registration and a dated record do different jobs, and most working musicians want both. Registering with the U.S. Copyright Office is what lets you file a lawsuit, and nothing here replaces it. SongSecure records every file you make, including the demos and versions you would not register, on the day you make it.
  • Are there any limitations with SongSecure?
    • Yes, all software applications have limits, and SongSecure limits the type of files that can be uploaded and secured, and the quantity of storage per user.
  • Is SongSecure legally recognized as a new standard for protecting my music?
    • The concept of a proven timestamp by a outside 3rd party is very well established. SongSecure uses the proven technology of the Block chain as a modern, proven technology in place of a time and date stamp
  • When does the SongSecure app come out for use?
    • It is in use now
  • Is there any interaction with PROs or distributors in anyway?
    • Not at this time
  • Is there a way to differentiate multiple copyrights for multiple writers on a song?
    • A song can list the writers and percentage of each
  • Am I the only person allowed to register songs to SongSecure, meaning what if you collaborate with someone would that person have to also register or can we do it under one account. Same example for multiple writers 3,4 & five writers for example.
    • A song can have attributes listing the writers and percentage of each
  • In SongSecure who will be able to hear the songs people register?
    • You will be able to hear your songs, and songs shared with you. In a coming release we are planning to provide a feature to allow you to share access with other users of SongSecure that you designate.
  • Since you cannot protect your copyright unless you know someone has stolen and used your song to make money, how does SongSecure help with detection of violations of copyright infringement world wide or does it?
    • SongSecure does not provide detection service
  • Can a poem be protected with SongSecure?
    • Yes, a document file can be secured.
  • Can lyrics without an audio recording be submitted to SongSecure?
    • Yes, a document file can be secured.
  • Asking about govt accreditation of SongSecure
    • The US Government does not provide for accreditation of commercial software.
  • Will anyone actually be listening to my uploads?
    • No
  • What happens to copyright proof of my songs?
    • You are provided with a PDF document that shows your proof forever. It can be proven as long as the Block Chain is available
  • Do I need to continue to subscribe to show proof of previously uploaded songs?
    • No, even if you cancel your subscription, at the time the song is secured you are provided with a PDF document that shows your proof forever. It can be proven as long as the Block Chain is available
  • I would like to know the details of how this service works?
  • What is in place for any technical support if i have user issues?
    • Please use our tech support help link, along with our knowledge base and user videos
  • Do I need to include MP3 files as well as written copy, i.e. lyrics and music notations to secure my music?
    • An MP3 or music file can be SongSecured without music notation.
  • In order to protect one’s songs from being stolen, is it feasible to set up some kind of publishing company with your name on it to copyright your songs?
  • How can I start using SongSecure ?