ABSTRACT
A license is limited permission to use a work. It is not a transfer of copyright ownership, which requires the written permission of all songwriters or other owners. Songwriters also don't need to have an express written collaboration agreement, although doing so is a good idea, given the myriad issues that can arise. Dividing the ownership ratably is also the most common way to divide ownership in a written collaboration agreement. Just as a contributing co-writer is entitled to a ratable share of ownership, that co-writer is also entitled to the same ratable share of income, absent an agreement to the contrary with his or her other co-writers. To qualify as a co-writer and also be entitled to a songwriter credit, must contribute a tangible part of the song, not just ideas. Each co-writer, independently of the other co-writers, has the right to transfer his or her copyright ownership in a song to another party.
