The Authority on Sound Recording Copyright
Music.PublicDomain.FYI is a research tool that helps musicians, archivists, sample-clearance teams, educators, and listeners determine whether a sound recording is in the US public domain. Enter the title and artist — and optionally a year — and receive a deterministic legal status with an AI-written explanation.
The framework we apply
Status comes from the Music Modernization Act of 2018 (17 U.S.C. § 1401), not from AI guesswork.
| Year of fixation | Rule |
|---|---|
| Before 1923 | Public domain. Entered the US public domain on January 1, 2022. |
| 1923 – 1946 | Protected for 100 years from publication. Enters the US public domain on January 1 of year + 101. |
| 1947 – 1956 | Protected for 110 years from publication. Enters the US public domain on January 1 of year + 111. |
| 1957 – Feb 14, 1972 | Protected by federal law until February 15, 2067. |
| On / after Feb 15, 1972 | Standard federal copyright: life of author + 70 years (or 95 years for works for hire). |
This tool focuses on US copyright law for sound recordings only.
Sound recordings vs. compositions
A song has two separate copyrights: the sound recording (a specific performance captured in audio) and the musical composition (the underlying lyrics and melody). This site analyzes only the sound recording. Even when the recording is in the public domain, the composition may remain owned by a publisher — covers, samples, and sync uses must clear composition rights separately.
Who it's for
- • Musicians sampling or covering older recordings
- • Sample-clearance and licensing teams
- • Archivists cataloging audio collections
- • Filmmakers sourcing period music for sync
- • Educators and researchers studying recording history
- • Streaming platforms evaluating public-domain catalogs
About
Music.PublicDomain.FYI is built and maintained by Shotgun Law as a public research resource. Sister site to Public Domain Films.
Disclaimer
Music.PublicDomain.FYI is an AI-assisted information tool. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Results are for informational research only and do not replace the due diligence of a qualified copyright attorney. Always consult licensed counsel before commercial use of any recording.