Shotgun Law
PUBLIC DOMAIN FYI
Sound Recording Copyright
Fetch!
Protected

#4wayz

iay!
2025
Confidence
95
— Composition copyright —

Songwriter & publisher

Protected
Songwriter(s)
iay!
Publisher
Unknown
First published
2025
Rule · Compositions created on or after January 1, 1978 are protected for the life of the author plus 70 years (or 95 years from publication for works made for hire). Protected.

The composition for "#4wayz" by iay! was created in 2025. Under the 1976 Copyright Act, as amended, musical compositions created on or after January 1, 1978, are protected for a term of the life of the author plus 70 years. Since iay! is the sole credited artist and likely the author (composer and lyricist), this rule applies directly. Assuming iay! is an individual, the copyright term will endure for their lifetime plus 70 years. This means the composition is fully protected under U.S. copyright law. Any use of the underlying musical work, including covers, samples, or synchronization in visual media (sync licensing), will require a license from the copyright owner(s) or their authorized representatives. Unauthorized uses would constitute copyright infringement.

Confidence
90

Sound recording and composition are two separate copyrights. Even if one is public domain, the other may still be protected — clear cover, sample, and sync rights independently.

— Rule Applied —

The deterministic finding

Recordings fixed on or after February 15, 1972 are subject to standard federal copyright (life of author + 70 years, or 95 years for works made for hire). Protected.
— AI Reasoning —

Why this status applies

The sound recording for "#4wayz" by iay! was fixed in 2025. Under the Music Modernization Act (MMA), specifically 17 U.S.C. § 1401, sound recordings fixed on or after February 15, 1972, are granted federal copyright protection. As this recording falls well within this timeframe, it is subject to the standard federal copyright terms, which typically extend for the life of the author plus 70 years, or 95 years from publication for works made for hire. This federal protection means that the recording is fully enforceable under U.S. copyright law, regardless of its previous state-law protection status, which was historically varied and complex for older recordings. For a brand-new release like this, the MMA solidifies its status, providing clear and consistent protection against unauthorized reproduction, distribution, and other uses. The artist, iay!, as the likely owner or exclusive licensee of the master recording, benefits directly from these provisions, ensuring their rights are internationally recognized and enforceable.
— Cited Sources —

Supporting facts

  • Music Modernization Act (MMA), 17 U.S.C. § 1401
  • U.S. Copyright Office Circular 92, Chapter 14: Sound Recordings
  • Recording's fixation year: 2025 (as provided)

This analysis is AI-generated for informational research only and does not constitute legal advice. Sound-recording status under the MMA does not determine the status of the underlying composition. Always consult a qualified copyright attorney before commercial use.