THE PAPERWORK

THE PAPERWORK (PART 1)
Excerpts From "The Rhythm Rap Method"

When one is attempting to enter into this business or any other type of business for that matter, you must understand that it is just that; a business. No more and no less. This crazy thing of ours which we call the music business is in all actuality about 90% business and about 10% music. I know and understand that from the outside looking in, it appears that all the focus is on the music, but that's just part of the presentation. The truth of the matter is that the music is just the frills or the packaging utilized to grab your attention and bring you in. However, if you come inside and do not pay close attention to the business at hand you may find yourself in the recovery room asking the nurse what hit you. In understanding the nature of business in general, you must understand what a business is. Regardless of what type of business you are into, as long as it is a legal business--it is just a piece of paper.
What did I say? That's right, a business is just a piece of paper, that which states the name
of your business, where it is located, the owner's name and the nature of your business.
It is not an office, a t-shirt or a business card. It is a piece of paper.

To Set Up Your Company

In order to establish your business legally you must go to the County Clerk's Office in the
area in which your business will be located. There you must file the appropriate forms to set up your business. This will cost you about $130 dollars for a sole proprietorship and the time that it takes to check their computer database to make sure that no one is presently using the name you desire for their business entity. This applies regardless of whether you have a production company, management company, record label or any other type of business. However, at some point in time you must seriously consider making the move to incorporate your business entity, both for tax purposes and protection of your personal assets.

Patent & Trademark

If you are really serious about being successful in establishing yourself within the industry,
it is imperative that you, at one point or the other, place a Patent or Trademark on your name. Be it your company name or your performing name, you should really give this some major thought. Now to place a Patent on your name will cost you a fortune to keep it in force.
As such I would advise you to place a Trademark or Service Mark on your name.
It will run you about $350 dollars to get it set up and then you can just renew it every seven years at no additional cost. You can find more information on doing this by visiting
The Us Patent & Trademark Office at the following url: http://www.uspto.gov

Song Copyright Forms
PRICE CHANGES EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2009

So as to prevent someone from stealing your masterpiece you need to have it protected through the copyright process. Here you would ascertain the correct forms from the Library
Of Congress in Washington, D.C. You may go to their website (http://www.copyright.gov/) and search for the necessary form (Form PA). When you download this form you must remember that there are two sides to this form and that you must submit them on one sheet of paper front and back with both heads at the same end and the bottoms as well. You would then fill out the form and send it in with your typed or clearly written lyrics to your song, an actual copy of your song on Cd or cassette and most importantly a check or money order for the registration fee of $45.00 dollars. If you find that the registration fee is a bit too steep at this time in your career you may also file your songs in a more cost effective manner as well.

Example One ($35-$65 For one Song)

1. Big, Bad & Bold

Example Two (Several Songs For $35-$65)

The Songs Of Big Dee

1. Big, Bad & Bold
2. Bigger & Badder Than Ever
3. Rough Enough To Call Your Bluff

Now let's suppose that things are really going rough for you now and you cannot
afford the $45 dollar registration fee. Meanwhile, you can take advantage of what has
become to be known as the Poor Man's Copyright. Here you would take a written copy of
your masterpiece down to the Post Office and mail it back to yourself by registered mail.
This will work to give you some piece of mind until such time that you can get the
registration fee together. However, you must remember that when the letter is
delivered to you, you must not open the envelope for any reason whatsoever.
That is, of course unless you are told to do so by a judge that which is trying
to decide who the song's real owner is. It is very important to note that there is
no provision in Copyright Law that provides protection under the poor man's copyright.
As such, it is best to register your work properly as soon as it is recorded.

Let's see, so far you have spent $65 dollars for each 5 songs created ($195 for 15 songs)
An additional sum to get your business established at the County Clerk ($130)
An additional charge to place a trademark on your company or artist name ($350)
Which brings us to a grand total of $675.00,
Which is much, much less than you would spend for the following name brand items :
a pair of jeans, a shirt, a track suit, some sneakers, some boots and a winter coat with someone's name on it, who does not care whether you make it in the business or not. Understanding that we are not player hating on anyone for being successful at what they do. All we are saying is that you have made everyone around you rich and successful.

When are you going to make yourself rich & successful ?

You Feel Me ?

JATHOM RECORDS & THE JATHOM FAMILY DISTRIBUTION GROUP
GIVING YOU SOMETHING TO HOLD ON TO
CAUSE WE UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU'VE BEEN GOING THROUGH

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