The answers to your questions are somehow country specific as the laws are too. But i have some general answers for you:

1. Depending on the contract you make. These days the most usual is 'master contract' which means that you do all the writing, producing, mixing and mastering and sell the complete product to label. Usually along with the rights. The label then takes care of printing, publishing, advertising and selling your product.

2. You become the publisher when you upload your mp3 to internet. For example souncloud, which is one type of publishing your music.

3. Yes they are. By doing so without the permission, they are breaking the copyright law.

4. Yes, but you should have some kind of contract with the other producers about how to divide the possible royalties and other income in the future. Also the label that signs the other producers might have their opinion about who should own the songwriting credits.

The main point being, make a contract about everything.

quote:

Originally posted by Soyagua The answers to your questions are somehow country specific as the laws are too. But i have some general answers for you: 1. Depending on the contract you make. These days the most usual is 'master contract' which means that you do all the writing, producing, mixing and mastering and sell the complete product to label. Usually along with the rights. The label then takes care of printing, publishing, advertising and selling your product. 2. You become the publisher when you upload your mp3 to internet. For example souncloud, which is one type of publishing your music. 3. Yes they are. By doing so without the permission, they are breaking the copyright law. 4. Yes, but you should have some kind of contract with the other producers about how to divide the possible royalties and other income in the future. Also the label that signs the other producers might have their opinion about who should own the songwriting credits. The main point being, make a contract about everything.

Hey, thanks so much for the response! After I wrote it I realized I needed to clarify I was asking mostly in regards to the United States (or else in general worldwide), as music law is different around the world. I also understand major publishers usually work with publishers in other countries to make sure royalties are being gathered there as well.

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