The composer of a musical composition is the initial owner of the copyright, unless the composition was created as a work for hire.

Copyright registration establishes a public record of ownership, which can be used to deter infringement and provide evidence of ownership in case of a dispute.

Direct infringement occurs when someone uses a copyrighted work without permission, while contributory infringement occurs when someone helps or encourages someone else to infringe a copyright.

Music publishers play a vital role in the music industry by promoting and distributing musical compositions, collecting royalties, and negotiating licensing agreements.

A mechanical license is a type of compulsory license that allows a record label to reproduce and distribute a musical composition without the permission of the copyright holder, provided that they pay a royalty to the copyright holder.

A synchronization license is a type of license that allows a filmmaker, video game developer, or commercial producer to use a musical composition in their work, provided that they pay a royalty to the copyright holder.

A copyright protects original works of authorship, such as musical compositions, while a trademark protects distinctive signs used in commerce, such as brand names and logos. A copyright lasts for a limited term, while a trademark can last indefinitely if it is properly maintained. A copyright can be registered with the government, while a trademark must be registered.

A copyright protects original works of authorship, such as musical compositions, while a patent protects inventions, such as new products and processes. A copyright lasts for a limited term, while a patent lasts for 20 years from the date of filing. A copyright can be registered with the government, while a patent must be registered.

A copyright protects original works of authorship, such as musical compositions, while a trade secret protects confidential information, such as formulas, processes, and customer lists. A copyright lasts for a limited term, while a trade secret can last indefinitely if it is properly protected. A copyright can be registered with the government, while a trade secret cannot.

A copyright protects the economic rights of the creator, such as the right to reproduce, distribute, and adapt the work, while a moral right protects the non-economic rights of the creator, such as the right to be attributed as the author of the work and the right to prevent the work from being distorted or mutilated. A copyright lasts for a limited term, while a moral right lasts indefinitely. A copyright can be transferred or assigned, while a moral right cannot.

A copyright protects the exclusive rights of the creator, such as the right to reproduce, distribute, and adapt the work, while fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. Fair use is a defense to copyright infringement. Fair use is not defined in the Copyright Act, but it is interpreted by the courts on a case-by-case basis.

A copyright protects the exclusive rights of the creator, such as the right to reproduce, distribute, and adapt the work, while a public domain work is not protected by copyright and can be used by anyone without permission. A copyright lasts for a limited term, while a public domain work is not subject to any time limit. A copyright can be transferred or assigned, while a public domain work cannot.

A copyright is owned by the creator of the work, while a work made for hire is owned by the employer who commissioned the work. A copyright lasts for a limited term, while a work made for hire is protected for the entire life of the author plus 70 years. A copyright can be transferred or assigned, while a work made for hire cannot.

A copyright is owned by a single creator, while a joint work is owned by two or more creators who have contributed independently copyrightable material to the work. A copyright lasts for a limited term, while a joint work is protected for the entire life of the last surviving author plus 70 years. A copyright can be transferred or assigned, while a joint work cannot.