Phonorecords

Phonorecords are sound recordings fixed in a tangible medium. This medium can be physical, such as vinyl records, compact discs, or magnetic tape, or digital, such as audio files stored on a computer or smartphone. The term "phonorecord" is often used in copyright law to refer to the physical or digital embodiment of a sound recording.

The creation of a phonorecord involves capturing sounds using electronic or mechanical means and then preserving them. Early phonorecords were made using acoustic methods, where sound waves vibrated a diaphragm attached to a stylus, which then etched grooves into a rotating cylinder or disc. Later, electrical recording techniques improved fidelity and allowed for wider dynamic range. The advent of digital technology revolutionized phonorecords, enabling precise reproduction and storage of sound.

Phonorecords are protected by copyright law. The copyright in a phonorecord protects the specific fixation of sounds, distinct from any underlying musical composition or spoken word. This means that while a composer owns the copyright to their song, the performer and record label typically own the copyright to the specific recorded performance of that song. Licensing and royalties are critical aspects of the music industry, governing the use and distribution of phonorecords. The digital age has presented new challenges and opportunities for managing and enforcing phonorecord copyrights.