Type: noun, copyright term
Pronunciation: /kop-e-ryt-line/
Also spelled or known as: C-Line, © Line, C Line, Composition Copyright
Plural: Copyright Lines
Related: C Line, C Lines
What does Copyright Line mean? The copyright notice that identifies ownership of a musical composition or written work, typically using the © symbol followed by the year and owner’s name.
A Copyright Line aka C Line is the copyright notice used to identify who owns the rights to the underlying composition of a song, album notes, lyrics, or written content. It is represented using the © symbol followed by the year and the owner’s name.
In music, the Copyright Line aka C Line typically refers to the composition rights, including lyrics and melody, which are usually controlled by songwriters or music publishers.
Example: © 2026 Recording Business Publishing
The Copyright Line is different from the P Line, which refers to the sound recording ownership.
Copyright Line synonyms: Copyright, C Line, Composition Copyright, Copyright Notice
Example sentence: “Make sure the album metadata includes the correct Copyright Line information.”
PRE-ORDER RECORDING BUSINESS DICTIONARY