Intelectual property

[musiquero]

Dear TheLaw.com lawyers:
I'm a musician/composer, a friend of mine used a melody that belongs to one of my original compositions and used it as part of a different music composition. The fact is, he claims he registered my name as one of the co-composer of his tune, this was registered in Ecuador, South America. On my end I am recording the piece from which he borrowed the aforementioned (my) melody. I have not registered yet this piece under my name but I am planning to do once I'm finish recording it. My composition and my friend's tune are two different pieces, except for the 8 bars introduction melody, which is what he took from me.
The question is, can I still register my piece in the USA, which is where I live. Do I need for my friend to make any changes ( if legally possible) on the terms under which registered the tune. I'm thinking if he includes a clause that state the intro to his tune has borrowed ("quoted") a melody from my tune. Thank you for your advice.

Juan-Carlos

 

[Michael Wechsler]

I'm not sure what you intend to do. There are different rights associated with music. When you say "your piece" - I assume you're talking about your music itself apart from what your friend used. There should be no problem with you recording what you authored. Your friend's licensed use should not affect your registration but you should keep documentation (written) of this transaction with your friend.