Here's an excellent article from Music Think Tank that covers the basics of copyright law, and the nuts and bolts of what you do (and don't) need to do to protect yourself. It's clear, concise and thorough and amazingly easy reading for what can be a confusing and technical subject.
BACK TO BASICS: COPYRIGHT(S) - MTT - Music Think Tank
Thoughts on music and what's going on in the music industry, and ideas for musicians trying to get their music out.