A musical work is the underlying composition — the melody, lyrics, and arrangement — distinct from any particular recording of it.
- ISWC (International Standard Musical Work Code) uniquely identifies a composition worldwide. Formatted as T-123.456.789-0 or compact T1234567890.
- MLC (Mechanical Licensing Collective) maintains a database of musical works registered for mechanical licensing in the United States, including writers, publishers, and ownership shares.
- Writers create the composition; publishers administer the rights. Share percentages indicate ownership splits.
- Matched recordings link a work to specific sound recordings (identified by ISRC) across streaming platforms.