For songwriters, protection of their valuable work is a number one concern. The hard work and artistry that go into creating song lyrics may earn its author great fame and riches. Yet, some mega companies, superstars and public figures attempt to pawn the work of an unsuspecting songwriter and pass it off as their own. Before a songwriter(of a work that originates in the US) may sue an infringing party, the original work(s) of authorship must be registered with the US Copyright Office. A songwriter will not be able to file an infringement action against the infringing party if that particular work is not registered with the US Copyright Office. Registration with the Copyright Office allows the oftentimes powerless songwriter to stand up to seemingly untouchable infringers.

See Jackson Browne sues John McCain and Republican Party:
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/singersongwriter-jackson-browne-files-suit/story.aspx?guid=%7B6D3CA8B0-C98E-47F6-9499-56D69DFCDEC6%7D&dist=hppr
See Tim McGraw faces song infringement action for ‘Everywhere’:
http://blog.cmt.com/2008-08-06/tim-mcgraw-copyright-infringement-suit-grabbing-attention/
See Kid Rock accused of biting '80s synth tune for 'Cowboy':
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1453539/20020422/kid_rock.jhtml
See Beyonce faces song infringement action for ‘Baby Boy’:
http://www.filewrapper.com/index.cfm/2007/12/26/Fifth-Circuit--Beyonc-song-does-not-infringe-songwriters-copyright

Labels: copyright, infringement, songwriter

Many IRS 501(c)(3) churches & religious organizations are not aware that they may risk losing their tax-exempt status by becoming involved in certain political campaign activity. For starters, all 501(c)(3) organizations are explicitly prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) candidates for public office. Some prohibited activities include posting a candidate sign on the church lawn, public statements of candidate preference made by religious leaders, and financial contributions made to political campaign funds.

However, certain political campaign activities are allowed, depending on the facts and circumstances. Allowable activities are generally non-partisan voter education projects, such as non-partisan voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives, the presentation of public forums, and the publication of voter education guides.

Learn more from the IRS about the DOs and DON’Ts of Political Campaign Activity for 501(c)(3) Churches & Religious Organizations (see pages 7-15) at: www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1828.pdf

Labels: 501c3, church, nonprofit, political campaign