803.8 (F) Publication Issues
For sound recordings, publication is the distribution of phonorecords of a work to the public by sale or other transfer of ownership or by rental, lease, or lending. Offering to distribute phonorecords to a group of persons for purposes of further distribution or public performance constitutes publication. A public performance of a sound recording does not, in and of itself, constitute publication. 17 U.S.C. § 101 (definition of “publication”).