How to add copyright on audio files

[jimmyy]

Hi,

Is there a way to add copyright information on any audio format? I'm offering for free mp3s that I recorded. I believe that there might be others that would like to "re-use" the files.

I know that in psd files (photoshop) there was some sort of hidden copyright.
On mp3 files , I think you can add the ID3 tags, but they can be very easily changed....

Is there any other audio format that better enforces the copyright. I was thinking of adding a sentence at the end of the recording stating the copyright, but at the end of the day this can as well be edited...

Which is the best way of trying at least to inform the others of the copyright on some audio recordings?

I'm playing the files in a built in player on the web, and I've chosen mp3 just because it's smaller in size and easier to be played by built in players.

Thank you

[Cornucopia]

It's not hidden in PSD or PDF files, it's in the standard metadata section of the file. Just not "visible all of the time".

WAV, FLAC, AC3, DTS, MP3 & MP4/AAC files all have metadata capabilities, which include author/provenance/production information.

However even though IANAL, I know that legally in the US, simple creation of the work intrinsically carries copyright weight with it. Adding the symbols, or other designators (textual, audio, and/or visual), only assists in possibly establishing public timelines & precedence (in the event of some conflict).

But no files "enforce" copyright, unless you are talking about DRM or Copy-protect flags. You could, of course, add an audible watermark, but that can often be a distraction/annoyance to some audiences. There's also steganography...

Scott

[jman98]

The "tag" section of the MP3 file is where you want to put this, but do note that some players may ignore it and it can be stripped out or changed.

Lawyers would have to get involved and European copyright law has numerous differences from that of the USA, but all I can say is that while what Scott said is basically correct with regards to the USA, failure to actually register a copyright (which costs money) would put the owner of the work in a precarious legal position should it come down to a court case to establish copyright. If you're afraid that others may use your files, MP3 is one of your worst choices. I'm sure Microsoft would be happy to sell you the product necessary (I have no idea what it is) to make WMA files instead of MP3 and you can put heinous DRM on them that can be incredibly difficult (but NOT impossible) to break. The only way to stop unauthorized usage 100% is to simply not make your files available.

[MOVIEGEEK]

WMA with DRM is your best solution, it can be streamed and played on most PC's. It is very difficult to convert or make an audio CD out of. You can use Windows Media Encoder or WMP(if you have the CD) to do this.

[jimmyy]

Thank you for your replies

I've checked a bit and I couldn't really find wma players to be integrated in the browser.
I realize that I'll need to make a choice between usability,user friendliness and protection of rights.. anyway as you were saying there is no 100% protection.