Shotgun Law
PUBLIC DOMAIN FYI
Sound Recording Copyright
Fetch!
Lights in the Sky cover
Protected

Lights in the Sky

Nine Inch Nails
2019
Confidence
100
— Composition copyright —

Songwriter & publisher

Protected
Songwriter(s)
Trent Reznor
Publisher
Unknown
First published
2019
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 musical composition for "Lights in the Sky" by Nine Inch Nails was written by Trent Reznor and was first published in 2019, concurrent with its sound recording release. Under U.S. copyright law, compositions created on or after January 1, 1978, are protected for the life of the author plus 70 years. As Trent Reznor is still alive, the composition is firmly protected by copyright. Given its recent creation date, this composition is not in the public domain. Any use of the underlying musical work, including covers, samples, or synchronization in visual media, would require clearance from the copyright holder(s) of the composition, which would typically be Trent Reznor and/or his publishing entity.

Confidence
100

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 "Lights in the Sky" by Nine Inch Nails, released in 2019, is unequivocally protected under federal copyright law. This is due to the Music Modernization Act (MMA), specifically 17 U.S.C. § 1401(a), which brought all sound recordings under federal protection. Recordings fixed on or after February 15, 1972, are treated under the standard federal copyright terms, which for this work means a term of protection for the life of the author plus 70 years, or 95 years from publication for works made for hire. Nine Inch Nails, fronted by Trent Reznor, is a prominent American industrial rock band. The recording was released on July 5, 2019, making its fixation date well within the MMA's federal protection window. As a contemporary recording from a major artist, it was created and distributed with full expectation of copyright protection, consistent with modern music industry practices.
— Cited Sources —

Supporting facts

  • Music Modernization Act (MMA) of 2018
  • 17 U.S.C. § 1401(a) (federal copyright for sound recordings)
  • Nine Inch Nails official discography and release dates
  • Trent Reznor's role as principal songwriter and performer

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.