U.S. Copyright Act: Primary federal legislation governing copyright protection, including ownership of musical works, sound recordings, and production elements (17 U.S.C.)
Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA): Federal law addressing digital copyright issues, including protection of copyrighted works in the digital environment
Music Modernization Act: 2018 law modernizing copyright legislation for the digital age, including streaming rights and royalty structures
State Contract Laws: State-specific regulations governing contract formation, enforcement, and interpretation
Statute of Frauds: Legal requirement that certain contracts must be in writing to be enforceable
Uniform Commercial Code: Standardized state laws governing commercial transactions, including sale of goods and services
Fair Labor Standards Act: Federal law establishing wage, hour, and employment standards, relevant if producer is classified as an employee
Independent Contractor Regulations: Federal and state laws governing classification of workers as independent contractors vs. employees
Trademark Laws: Protection of brands, logos, and other distinctive marks used in music production
Right of Publicity Laws: State laws protecting individuals' right to control commercial use of their name, image, and likeness
RIAA Guidelines: Recording Industry Association of America standards and best practices for music production and distribution
Internal Revenue Code: Federal tax regulations affecting income reporting, deductions, and royalty payments
Digital Performance Rights: Laws governing rights and royalties for digital performance of musical works
Sound Recording Rights: Legal framework governing ownership and licensing of recorded musical performances
Mechanical Rights: Rights related to reproduction and distribution of musical compositions in recorded form
Synchronization Rights: Rights governing use of music in combination with visual media
