How can I prove MakeSong added melody to my lyrics after deletion?

Question from Mr fab, How can I prove MakeSong added melody to my lyrics after deletion?

Answer from AI:

What Rights You Have Over Your Lyrics

When you wrote the words, you automatically became the copyright holder of that literary work under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Copyright gives you the exclusive right to reproduce, publish, and adapt the lyrics, and it also protects your moral rights (the right to be identified as the author and to object to derogatory treatment of the work).

Who Owns the Music That Was Added?

The melody and vocal track that MakeSong generated are a separate musical work. Who owns that part depends on two things:

• The site’s terms and conditions – most online music‑generation services include a clause stating that they retain the copyright in any music they create, while you keep the rights to any material you supplied (your lyrics).
• UK copyright law on joint works – if the site’s contribution is considered a “joint author” with you, both parties would own the combined song, each able to licence their share. This is unlikely unless the terms expressly grant you a licence to the music.

Because you deleted the file from the site, the only copy you have is the one you downloaded. Without a record from MakeSong, proving that the site supplied the music may be difficult, but you still retain the copyright in the lyrics themselves.

How to Show That the Site Created the Music

Even though the original file is gone from the website, you can still gather evidence:

1. Review the site’s terms of use – look for sections on “copyright,” “licensing,” or “user‑generated content.” Those clauses often describe who owns the generated music.
2. Contact MakeSong support – ask them to confirm, in writing, that they produced the melody for your lyrics and to provide any internal logs or timestamps they keep.
3. Preserve the downloaded audio file – keep the file in a secure location and note the date you downloaded it. Metadata embedded in the file (e.g., creation date, software name) can help demonstrate its origin.
4. Save any email or screen‑capture evidence – if you received a confirmation email, a receipt, or screenshots of the creation process, those can serve as supporting documentation.

When You Might Need Legal Advice

If you plan to commercialise the song, negotiate a licence with MakeSong, or if a third party claims ownership of the music, you should obtain advice from a solicitor who specialises in intellectual property. They can:

• Interpret the site’s terms in light of UK law.
• Help you draft a licence agreement if you need permission to use the melody.
• Advise on how to protect your lyrics if you want to register them with the UK Intellectual Property Office (optional but sometimes useful for evidential purposes).

Useful Resources

• The UK government’s guide to copyright: Copyright – a guide to UK copyright law.
• The Intellectual Property Office’s information on musical works and joint authorship: IPO – Music and copyright.

Keeping a clear paper‑trail of your interactions with any online service is the best way to protect your rights. If any dispute arises, that documentation will be the foundation of any claim you may need to make.