knightmoves,
If you feel you have created something that someone might use without your permission, you can register your copyright with the Library of Congress. Without a registered copyright, you have very limited legal recourse. In my opinion, it is very rare for an artist to use someone else's work without their permission, as there is always negative publicity surrounding these kinds of cases. You may not be able to sue them for royalties without a copyright, but you can sure present other evidence in court and to the media that puts the artist in an unfavorable light. No artist wants to look like the bad guy ripping off unsuspecting lyricists. There is only one sure way to protect yourself however, and that is to register your copyright. I just wish I could write a song that someone felt was good enough to steal
.
Hope that helps
Walter Farmer