A producer creates an original instrumental beat. An independent artist then writes lyrics and records vocals over that beat to create a finished song. In the absence of any written agreement, who is the default owner of the copyright in the final sound recording (the master)?
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A
Only the artist, because they performed the lead vocal.
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B
Only the producer, because they created the underlying music.
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C
The producer and the artist as joint authors, each owning an equal, undivided share.
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D
The first party to register the work with the U.S. Copyright Office.