---
title: "Build a music synchronisation clearance checklist"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/sports-and-entertainment-law/build-a-music-synchronisation-rights-clearance-checklist/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A39-T1-R3-US"
practice_area: "Sports & Entertainment Law"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Build a music synchronisation clearance checklist

> For each cue the lawyer lists, record the composition, the sound recording if named, the picture or cut it is used in, the rights the file's licence names, and whether a writing signed by the owner is in the file.…

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/sports-and-entertainment-law/build-a-music-synchronisation-rights-clearance-checklist/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Sports & Entertainment Law](https://ailawframework.com/practice/sports-and-entertainment-law.md) |
| Human involvement | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | For each cue the lawyer lists, record the composition, the sound recording if named, the picture or cut it is used in, the rights the file's licence names, and whether a writing signed by the owner is in the file. Decide no clearance. |
| What the lawyer must review | 17 U.S.C. § 106 gives the copyright owner the exclusive rights, subject to §§ 107 through 122, to reproduce the work, to prepare derivative works, to distribute copies to the public, and, for musical works, to perform the work publicly. A motion-picture use implicates the reproduction right and the derivative-work right. Section 204(a) requires a signed writing for a transfer of copyright ownership other than by operation of law. You decide which right the use needs and whether the paper in the file grants it. Section 201(a) and (b) tell you who starts as owner. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Build a music-synchronisation rights-clearance checklist](https://ailawframework.com/practice/sports-and-entertainment-law/build-a-music-synchronisation-rights-clearance-checklist.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: For each cue the lawyer lists, record the composition, the sound recording if named, the picture or cut it is used in, the rights the file's licence names, and whether a writing signed by the owner is in the file. Decide no clearance.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- A composition and a sound recording are separate works. A licence for one is not entered as a licence for the other.
- Sections 107 through 122 limit § 106. Open the limitation you rely on, including fair use, before you treat a use as permitted without a licence.

## Sources

- [17 U.S.C. § 106 (exclusive rights in copyrighted works)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/106) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [17 U.S.C. § 204 (execution of transfers of copyright ownership)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/204) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [17 U.S.C. § 201 (ownership of copyright)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201) (checked 2026-10-22)

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*