U.S. Copyright Act: Primary federal law governing copyright protection, codified in Title 17 of U.S. Code, establishing basic rights of copyright owners including exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, and create derivative works

Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA): Federal law addressing digital copyright issues, including online copyright infringement and digital rights management

Music Modernization Act: 2018 law modernizing copyright legislation for the streaming era, improving royalty payments and rights management for music creators

State Contract Laws: State-specific regulations governing contract formation, enforcement, and interpretation that affect songwriter agreements

Statute of Frauds: Legal requirement that certain contracts must be in writing to be enforceable, particularly relevant for agreements lasting more than one year

Performance Rights Regulations: Laws governing public performance rights and royalties, including regulations related to PROs (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC)

Mechanical Licensing Rules: Regulations governing the right to reproduce and distribute copyrighted musical works, including statutory rates and licensing procedures

Synchronization Rights: Laws governing the right to use music in combination with visual media, including films, TV shows, and advertisements

Internal Revenue Code: Federal tax laws affecting how royalty payments are taxed and reported, including requirements for withholding and income reporting

Work-for-Hire Doctrine: Legal concept determining ownership of copyrighted works created during employment or by special commission

Joint Authorship Principles: Legal framework governing rights and responsibilities of multiple creators contributing to a single copyrighted work

International Copyright Conventions: Treaties and agreements protecting copyright across national borders, such as the Berne Convention and Universal Copyright Convention