Learn About Copyright

LyriBase is a platform for original work. We expect all users to respect the rights of others and to upload only content they've created themselves.

This page provides an overview of copyright and why it matters when sharing your music, lyrics, or other creative work on LyriBase. This is not legal advice—if you have specific questions, you should talk to a qualified lawyer.

What is Copyright?

Copyright refers to a set of legal rights that protect original creative works like music, lyrics, poetry, recordings, artwork, books, and more. If you create something original, you automatically own the copyright and have exclusive rights to control how it's used, shared, or distributed.

Examples of copyrighted works include:

  • Your original song or instrumental track
  • The lyrics or poem you wrote
  • A field recording or spoken-word piece you captured

You control whether and how your work can be copied, distributed, adapted, performed, or uploaded. No one else can legally do those things without your permission—and you also can't do those things with someone else's work without theirs.

What Counts as Copyright Infringement?

You infringe on someone's copyright if you:

  • Upload or share a song you didn't write or record
  • Use lyrics you didn't write
  • Include samples or recordings you didn't create
  • Adapt or remix someone else's material without a license

To avoid copyright issues, only upload content you created yourself. LyriBase prohibits uploading any copyrighted material that you do not own or have explicit written permission to use.

Your Responsibility as a Creator

By uploading to LyriBase, you confirm that:

  • The work is 100% original to you, or
  • You have secured all necessary rights and permissions to use any part of the content

If you use someone else's material without proper authorization, your content may be removed and your account may be suspended. We take copyright seriously to protect both you and other creators.

Protecting Your Own Work

While LyriBase does not claim ownership of your content, we do not provide legal protections against unauthorized use by others. Sharing your work publicly is done at your own risk.

If you want to formally protect your work from plagiarism, misuse, or unauthorized distribution, consider registering it with the U.S. Copyright Office or a similar organization in your country.

A Quick Copyright Checklist

Before uploading music, lyrics, or other content to LyriBase, ask yourself:

✅ YES

  • Did I write this myself?
  • Did I record this myself?
  • Is this an original performance or piece of writing?
  • Do I have permission from anyone else involved in the recording or production?

❌ NO

  • Does this include samples, clips, or lyrics I don't own?
  • Was I under a record or publishing contract when I created this?
  • Have I licensed this content elsewhere that limits my rights to share it?

If you answered yes to the first list and no to the second, you're probably good to go!

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