How to Protect Your Music Catalog Before You Pitch It

Eldonie Mason • November 4, 2025

Your catalog is your empire. Guard it like one.


In today’s music industry, ownership is everything. Before you send that email to a label, music supervisor, or brand partner, you must make sure your catalog is legally protected. Because once your music is out there, it’s too late to pull it back.


Here’s how to safeguard your songs, beats, and masters before you pitch them.


1. Register Your Copyrights Properly

Your first and strongest layer of protection is copyright registration. Under U.S. law, you automatically own the copyright to your work as soon as it’s created — but registration with the U.S. Copyright Office gives you the legal muscle to enforce it.


Why it matters:
If someone uses your song without permission, you can’t sue or recover statutory damages unless it’s registered.


Pro Tip:

  • Register each track or group of unpublished works together to save on fees.
  • Include all songwriters, producers, and contributors correctly to avoid ownership disputes later.

2. Split Sheets Are Your Friend

Every time you collaborate, you need a split sheet — a written agreement stating who owns what percentage of the composition and master.


Why it matters:
Without a split sheet, you have no clear proof of ownership. That makes licensing, pitching, or collecting royalties messy and often impossible.


Make sure your split sheet includes:

  • Each contributor’s legal name and role (writer, producer, vocalist, etc.)
  • Their ownership percentage
  • Signature and date


3. Protect Your Masters

Owning your master recordings means you control how they’re used and monetized. If a label, distributor, or brand wants to use your song, they’ll need your permission.


Do this before pitching:

  • Store your masters securely (digital and physical backups).
  • Keep clear documentation of recording dates, session files, and contributors.
  • Register your masters with organizations like SoundExchange to collect digital performance royalties.


4. Get Your Metadata Right

Metadata tells the world who created your song and how royalties should flow. When your metadata is wrong or missing, your money gets lost.


Include key details:

  • Song title
  • ISRC and ISWC codes
  • Songwriters and publishers
  • Performing rights organization (PRO) affiliations
  • Contact information for licensing


Tip: Keep an updated catalog spreadsheet with all this data organized and ready to send.


5. Work With a Music Lawyer Before You Pitch

A music attorney doesn’t just review contracts — they protect your leverage. Whether you’re pitching to a label, sync agency, or investor, having your catalog reviewed ensures you don’t sign away more rights than you intend to.


An attorney can help you:

  • Register your works correctly
  • Review or draft split sheets and producer agreements
  • Negotiate fair terms for licensing or publishing deals
  • Structure your music business entity for tax and liability protection


6. Use Non-Disclosure or Submission Agreements (When Appropriate)

If you’re sending unreleased material or an entire catalog to a potential collaborator, music supervisor, or investor, consider having them sign a submission or NDA agreement first.


It sets clear expectations about:

  • How your work can be used
  • That no rights are being transferred
  • Confidentiality of unreleased material


This isn’t always necessary for open calls or established sync platforms, but it’s crucial when pitching directly to an individual or company contact.


7. Create a Catalog Summary or Demo Reel Package

Presentation matters. A well-organized catalog package shows professionalism and protects your control over your work.


Include:

  • A short bio and brand summary
  • Streaming links (private SoundCloud/Dropbox folder with limited access)
  • Song list with credits and metadata
  • Contact info and representation details


Never send raw files or high-quality downloads unless a deal is being finalized. Keep your control over the assets until there’s an agreement.


Final Thoughts

Your catalog is your legacy. Before you pitch it to anyone, make sure it’s protected, registered, and ready to monetize on your terms. The difference between a broke artist and a thriving one often comes down to paperwork — not talent.


If you’re serious about protecting your catalog, it’s time to get professional help.


Book a Strategy Session with Mason Firm to make sure your rights, royalties, and future are secured before your next pitch.