Copyright law aims to protect the rights of musicians and composers, prevent the unauthorized use of musical works, and ensure that music is fairly compensated.

In the United States, the term of copyright protection for musical works is 70 years after the author's death.

Copyright is the legal term for the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and publicly perform a musical work.

ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC are the three main organizations that collect and distribute royalties to songwriters and composers in the United States.

A recording contract is a legal agreement between a musician or songwriter and a record label that outlines the terms of their relationship, including the recording, distribution, and promotion of the musician's music.

A publishing contract is a legal agreement between a songwriter and a music publisher that outlines the terms of their relationship, including the administration of the songwriter's copyrights and the collection and distribution of royalties.

A management contract is a legal agreement between a musician or band and a manager that outlines the terms of their relationship, including the manager's responsibilities for booking gigs, negotiating contracts, and promoting the musician's career.

Copyright infringement is the legal term for the unauthorized use of a copyrighted musical work, such as reproducing, distributing, or publicly performing the work without the permission of the copyright holder.

Copyright infringement can result in both civil penalties, such as damages and injunctions, and criminal penalties, such as fines and imprisonment.

Royalty is the legal term for the right of a musician or songwriter to receive a share of the profits from the sale of their music.

Right of publicity is the legal term for the right of a musician or songwriter to prevent others from using their name, likeness, or voice without their permission.

Synchronization rights are the legal term for the right of a musician or songwriter to control the use of their music in films, television shows, and other media.

Performance rights are the legal term for the right of a musician or songwriter to receive compensation for the public performance of their music.

Mechanical rights are the legal term for the right of a musician or songwriter to receive compensation for the mechanical reproduction of their music, such as the sale of CDs and digital downloads.

Digital rights are the legal term for the right of a musician or songwriter to receive compensation for the digital distribution of their music, such as streaming and downloads.