Protected

Vos vet zayn

Mikveh

2008

Confidence

100

— Composition copyright —

Songwriter & publisher

Protected

Songwriter(s): David Krakauer
Publisher: Tzadik Records (implied as publisher for Krakauer's works)
First published: 2008

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 underlying musical composition 'Vos vet zayn' was written by David Krakauer, a prominent clarinetist and composer known for his contemporary interpretations of Klezmer music. Given that the earliest known release of the *recording* is 2008, and David Krakauer is credited as the composer for the track, it is highly probable that the *composition* was also created and first published in or around 2008, specifically for Mikveh's album. As the composition was first published in 2008, it falls under the 'Compositions created on or after January 1, 1978' rule. For works created and published in 2008, the copyright term is typically the life of the author plus 70 years (if Krakauer was the sole author) or 95 years from publication (if considered a work made for hire). Given Krakauer's age (born 1956), the composition is undoubtedly protected for many decades to come. Therefore, any use of the musical composition itself—such as creating a cover version, using sheet music, or synchronizing it—requires a license from the copyright holder of the composition, typically David Krakauer or his publisher, which in this case is likely associated with Tzadik Records, the label for the 'Mikveh' album.

Confidence

95

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 of Mikveh's 'Vos vet zayn' is protected under federal copyright law in the United States. This is because the recording was fixed on August 25, 2008, well after the critical date of February 15, 1972. Under the Music Modernization Act (MMA), specifically 17 U.S.C. § 1401, sound recordings fixed on or after this date are afforded the full protections of federal copyright, falling under the 'Standard Federal Copyright Term' rule. As a work fixed in 2008, the sound recording is subject to a copyright term of 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever expires first, if considered a work made for hire, or the life of the author plus 70 years if an individual's original work. The specific label for this release, while not explicitly provided, is likely a modern independent or specialty label operating under standard industry practices that ensure federal copyright registration and protection for new recordings. This ensures that the rights holders, typically the band Mikveh or their associated label, retain exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform publicly, and create derivative works from this specific recording. Therefore, anyone wishing to use this particular sound recording, whether for synchronization in a film, sampling, or reproduction, would need to obtain a license from the copyright owner of the sound recording. Unauthorized use would constitute copyright infringement.

— Cited Sources —

Supporting facts

17 U.S.C. § 1401 (Music Modernization Act)
US Copyright Act of 1976 (as amended)
Fixation date: August 25, 2008 (after Feb 15, 1972)
General principles of US federal sound recording copyright

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.