Copyright protects your songs from the moment you fix them in a tangible form. Registration makes it enforceable.
Document everything
Save dated recordings, lyric sheets, and session files. These are your evidence.
Register with your national copyright office
In the US, that is copyright.gov. Online registration is cheaper than paper.
Register with a PRO
ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC collect performance royalties when your songs are played publicly.
Keep split sheets
If you co-write, document who owns what percentage from day one.
