Sound Recording Copyright

Sound recording copyright protects the original recorded performances and the specific recording itself. When an artist records a song, that recording is automatically protected, giving the artist or rights holder exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and perform it publicly. This means others cannot legally copy, sell, or use the recording without permission. The protection lasts for a certain period, typically the life of the artist plus 70 years. Copyright encourages artists and producers to create and share music by giving them control and potential income from their recordings.