The Protect & Collect Method: Your First Legal Checklist

Written By Eddie Sanders

The Protect & Collect Method

From no releases to your first projects out

Before streams, marketing, or hype, build your legal foundation.

Momentum without structure costs ownership.

This stage is simple:
Protect what you create. Collect what you earn.

Protect: Lock down your rights before anything goes live.

  1. Choose and lock your artist name
    Search trademarks and domain availability. Secure social handles. File a trademark application once the name is in use.

  2. Form your business entity
    Create an LLC or corporation to own masters, publishing, and brand rights.

     

  3. Register with a PRO
    Join ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, or GMR as a songwriter and set up a publishing entity.

     

  4. Set up SoundExchange and neighboring rights
    Register as both artist and rights owner so digital performance royalties are not lost.

     

  5. Use split sheets for every session
    No song leaves the room without written ownership percentages and signatures.

     

  6. Use producer and collaboration agreements
    Define whether tracks are work for hire, co-owned, or licensed.

  7. Start a catalog log
    Track song titles, writers, splits, ISRCs, and registration status.

Collect: Rights mean nothing if you’re not set up to get paid.

  1. Distribute through an account you control
    Do not allow managers or producers to be the account owner.

  2. Register every song everywhere
    PRO, publishing admin, SoundExchange, digital distributors, and international societies.

     

  3. Track your metadata
    Ensure songwriter names, percentages, ISRCs, and IPI numbers are correct.

     

  4. Open a business bank account
    Separate creative income from personal finances.

     

  5. Build your first licensing one sheet
    A simple document that shows who you are, what you own, and how to clear your music.

 

Eddie Sanders