We help you route the filing path based on the rights that actually need protection.
Register your music without getting buried in the paperwork.
Maxcren prepares and submits U.S. Copyright Office filings for singles, albums, and combined sound recording plus composition releases when eligible.
Starting at $79 with government filing fees already included in the package quote.
48 hrs
Typical prep target from submission to filing-ready review.
1 to 10 tracks
Supported in the standard filing path for larger releases and combined reviews.
Dashboard tracked
Every filing request stays visible in your customer dashboard after submission.
The package pricing already accounts for the government registration fee range.
We review whether your release can be handled in a single combined sound recording filing.
You get structured filing support without pretending this is a law-firm engagement.
What You Actually Get
Error-Free Filing
We review every detail before submission so your application isn't rejected or delayed.
Full Protection Unlocked
Public record + ability to sue for statutory damages (up to $150,000 per infringement).
Group & Album Discounts
Register 10 unpublished songs or an entire album for one low fee.
We also handle sound recordings + compositions together when eligible.
Choose Your Path
Pick the filing lane that matches your release
You have one song and one clear filing path
This is the cleanest starting point when you already know whether you are filing the composition or the sound recording.
- Single-song registration support
- Best for straightforward ownership
- Lowest-friction path to filing
You want combined coverage or a multi-track release
This is the strongest default when you need both the recording and composition reviewed together, or when the release has more moving pieces.
- Combined filing review when eligible
- Album and EP support up to 10 tracks
- Best fit for most serious release plans
Ownership or follow-up work needs more attention
Choose this when the filing path involves split ownership, amendment risk, or you want extended support after submission.
- Amendment support built in
- Better for more involved ownership situations
- Higher-touch admin follow-up
Search By Filing Need
The common copyright registration questions artists search before filing
Most projects fall into one of three buckets: a single composition, a sound recording, or a multi-track release that needs a cleaner filing path. Start with the case that matches your release.
You need to register the composition for one song
Best when you are protecting the songwriting itself and the ownership story is straightforward.
- Single-song composition filing support
- Clear fit for writers protecting the underlying song
- Fastest route into a clean one-work filing
You need coverage for the master recording
Use this lane when the recording rights are the priority or when composition and master ownership need to be handled separately.
- Built for master-rights filing decisions
- Useful when collaborators split the songwriting differently
- Easy to compare against combined filing eligibility
You are registering a multi-track release
For EPs, albums, and campaign releases where group filing or combined review can save time and reduce paperwork mistakes.
- Strong fit for multi-song release schedules
- Supports group and combined-path reviews when eligible
- Easy to pair with release audio finishing
Check If You May Qualify For Combined Filing
Quick Eligibility Check
Answer these questions to see whether your release may be eligible for one filing that covers both the sound recording and the composition. This is guidance only, and we still manually review every submission before filing.
Review needed
Answer the four questions
Once you answer, we'll tell you whether a combined filing looks likely, whether separate filings are safer, or whether we need to review the ownership details with you first.
- Combined filing usually works best when ownership is clean and the same claimant owns both the master and the composition.
- If ownership is split, we may recommend separate filings to avoid rejection or delays.
- You can still choose a package now and we will verify the filing path before submission.
How It Works
Step 1
You upload your track(s) + basic info (title, writers, dates).
Step 2
We prepare the exact eCO application and review everything.
Step 3
You approve & we file with the U.S. Copyright Office as your authorized agent.
Step 4
You receive your official certificate (usually 3–6 months; we track it for you).
Average turnaround to submission: 48 hours
Pricing & Packages
Basic
$79
Best for a single song when you only need one registration path handled.
- One single song (composition or recording)
- Includes review + filing
- Certificate tracking
Good fit if you need one filing only.
Standard
$149
Built for combined composition + recording coverage, or a single SR registration covering your full album release.
- Composition + recording together, OR one SR filing covering your album (up to 10 tracks on a single release)
- Priority review
- Certificate tracking
- Faster turnaround
One registration per release — not 10 separate filings.
Premium
$199
For releases with multiple contributors, or when you need post-filing admin follow-up and amendment support.
- Everything in Standard
- 1 year of amendment filing support
- Post-filing correspondence support (60 days)
- Dedicated support
Recommended when a release involves multiple contributors or needs ongoing admin follow-up.
Government filing fee included ($45-$85). No hidden charges.
| Feature | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | One clear filing path for one song | Combined composition + recording review, or single SR album filing | Releases with multiple contributors or post-filing admin needs |
| Filing scope | Composition or recording (one filing) | Composition + recording when eligible, or one SR filing covering up to 10 tracks on a single release | Everything in Standard plus post-filing correspondence and amendment support |
| Review depth | Standard filing review | Priority review | Priority review plus extended admin support |
| Dashboard follow-up | Included | Included | Included |
| Amendment support | Not included | Not included | 1 year included |
| Price | $79 | $149 | $199 |
Why Musicians Choose Maxcren
Maxcren Music Services was founded to help indie artists with copyright paperwork. We got tired of watching artists lose sleep over paperwork, so we built this simple service that actually works.
★★★★★
"Made the whole process painless. I had my filing done in less than 48 hours and felt confident the entire way."
★★★★★
"Finally, someone who understands what artists actually need. No confusing legal jargon, just results."
★★★★★
"Worth every penny. Saved me hours of stress and guaranteed my work is properly protected."
Already helped dozens of independent artists across the US register their music securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is copyright automatic or do you really need to register?
Copyright protection is automatic the moment your song is fixed in a tangible form (recorded or written). Registration with the U.S. Copyright Office is optional but provides major benefits: a public record, eligibility to sue in federal court, and potential for statutory damages/attorney fees.
What's the difference between registering the song vs. the recording?
Register the musical composition (melody, lyrics) as a "Work of the Performing Arts" (PA). Register the sound recording (specific performance/master) as "Sound Recording" (SR). If you own both and they're in the same fix, you can often register them together on one SR application.
How long does it actually take?
We typically submit within 48 hours of receiving your files/info. Official processing by the Copyright Office usually takes 3–6 months for electronic filings.
Can you file for me even if I'm not in the U.S.?
Yes. The U.S. Copyright Office places no citizenship or residency requirement on applicants. Nationals of the 179+ countries that are party to the Berne Convention or the Universal Copyright Convention are fully eligible to register with the U.S. Copyright Office — and registration is just as valuable for international artists as it is for U.S.-based ones.
Why register in the U.S. even if you live abroad? U.S. registration is required to sue for copyright infringement in U.S. federal court, and is necessary to claim statutory damages and attorney's fees against infringers — a significant enforcement tool when dealing with U.S. streaming platforms, labels, distributors, or licensing partners. Berne automatic protection alone does not give you these remedies.
The intake form accepts international addresses and phone numbers. When you complete the form, select your country — the address and phone fields will adapt accordingly.
One caveat: a small number of countries are not party to any copyright treaty with the United States (North Korea is the most prominent example). If your country is not a Berne or UCC member, eligibility depends on whether the work was first published in the U.S. or another treaty country. If you are unsure, note it in the Special Notes field and we will confirm eligibility before submitting.
Do you need a lawyer?
No, for standard registration. We provide administrative filing help only—we are not a law firm and do not give legal advice.
What if you have an album with 12 songs?
Use the group registration for published albums (up to certain limits, often $65 fee) or group of unpublished works (up to 10–20). We'll advise the best option.
What information do we need from you?
Song/Album title(s), creation/publication dates, author/owner names, digital files (MP3 + PDF lyrics/sheet music if needed), and confirmation of facts.
Get Started - Upload First, Then Pay Securely
Important Disclaimer: Maxcren Music Services is an administrative filing assistant, not a law firm. We prepare and submit registration paperwork to the U.S. Copyright Office on your behalf — we do not provide legal advice, legal opinions, or legal documents of any kind. We cannot advise on ownership disputes, transfer of rights, licensing terms, or any matter requiring legal counsel. For those questions, consult a licensed attorney. Nothing in our service creates an attorney-client relationship.
Terms of Service – Read our full terms before submitting