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[Livengood]

i know what it is.. but can someone explain more in depth?

[Agust1337]

Copyrights on musical works can be more complex than on some other works, because there are several parts to musical works, as well as the collaborative nature of music. Contracts can also add complexity to copyrights on music

Copyrightable parts
Music has three copyrightable parts: song lyrics, musical accompaniment and the recording. The first two are granted a C-in-a-circle symbol; the recording receives a P-in-a-circle.
When a copyright is granted
A copyright is granted when a musical work is created, not when a creator formally applies for a copyright.
Term of copyright
A copyright is good for 70 years after the death of the last living creator unless it is a work-for-hire.
Works-for-hire
A work-for-hire--a musical composition that was created under contract for another person or organization--receives a copyright for 90 years after the work was first published or 120 years after it was first created, whichever comes first.
Subsequent recordings
Another person may receive a P-in-a-circle for recording music and lyrics that someone else had copyrighted, if she obtains a license for the work.
Licensing
The copyright holder licenses the work, or authorizes an agent to license the work. Some copyright holders use a Creative Commons license, giving up some rights (such as payment) for others (such as attribution). The Harry Fox Agency is the largest licensing agent for popular music.

got it from: http://www.ehow.com/facts_5261846_expla ... t-law.html