Every release you send to stores carries two copyright lines. Stores such as Spotify and Apple Music show them at the bottom of the release page.
The ℗ line: who owns the recording
The ℗ line names the owner of the master recording. Format: ℗ 2026 Owner Name.
This is usually you, if you own the recording. If a label owns or controls the master, it is the label.
The © line: who owns the release
The © line names the owner of the release itself and its artwork. Format: © 2026 Owner Name.
For most self-released music, this is the same name as the ℗ line.
What to enter in Notes
Enter the owner's name only. Notes adds the symbol and the year for you.
The year is the year the release first came out. A re-release keeps its original year.
Examples
Self-release: ℗ 2026 Jane Doe and © 2026 Jane Doe.
Your own label or company: ℗ 2026 Doe Music LLC and © 2026 Doe Music LLC.
A label owns the master: ℗ 2026 followed by the label's company name.
What never goes in these lines
A PRO such as BMI, ASCAP, SESAC or GMR. A PRO licenses and collects for your songs. It does not own your release.
An IPI or ISWC number.
Your publisher or publishing administrator, including Notes. An administrator collects for you. You keep ownership.
Your distributor.
A link, an email address, or "All rights reserved".
Where your songwriting goes instead
Who owns each song, and your share of it, goes in your song splits and your publishing registrations. It does not go in the © line.
Can I change these lines after release?
Yes. A change sends the release to the stores again for review. Contact the Notes team if you need help.