Copyright Act section 102(a): musical works and sound recordings are separate categories of work (17 U.S.C. 102(a))
A recorded song carries two copyrights: the musical work (the composition, lyrics included), usually held by a music publisher, and the sound recording (the master), usually held by a record label. A licence from one leaves the other's right untouched, which is why AI music companies sign labels and publishers separately.
Dated 31 Oct 2026Source checked 31 Oct 2026Basis: primary text
Selling a company's data? This is one of the rules a sale has to meet, and the guide beside the button reads it in plain words.
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In the source's own words
“Works of authorship include the following categories: (1) literary works; (2) musical works, including any accompanying words; (3) dramatic works, including any accompanying music; (4) pantomimes and choreographic works; (5) pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works; (6) motion pictures and other audiovisual works; (7) sound recordings; and (8) architectural works.”
Figures it counts in
It is shown on its own, not counted into a figure.
Cited in this guide