Short answers, pulled from the story.
The United States Constitution grants Congress the power to create copyright law under Article I, Section 8, Clause 8. This clause is known as the Copyright Clause and states that Congress has the power to promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts by securing exclusive rights to authors and inventors.
Federal coverage extended to sound recordings fixed on or after the 15th of February 1972 through the Sound Recording Amendment of 1971. The Music Modernization Act enacted in 2018 later preempted state laws and extended federal protection to all sound recordings regardless of date.
Copyright protection generally lasts for 70 years after the death of the author. For works made for hire, terms run for 120 years after creation or 95 years after publication, whichever is shorter.
If a work is prepared by an employee within the scope of employment, the employer owns the copyright. Independent contractors can create works made for hire only if specific categories are met and parties expressly agree in writing.
Statutory damages range from $750 to $30,000 per work infringed but increase significantly for willful violations up to $150,000. Criminal penalties include fines up to $500,000 or imprisonment for five years for first offenses.