808.2 (B) Sounds Accompanying Motion Pictures Distinguished from Sound Recordings
There is a legal distinction between the “soundtrack of a motion picture” and a “sound recording.” The statutory definition of a sound recording specifically states that this category does not include “sounds accompanying a motion picture or other audiovisual work.” 17 U.S.C. § 101. Thus, when registering a claim in a motion picture soundtrack, the applicant should state “sounds,” “soundtrack,” or “sounds accompanying a motion picture” in the application, rather than “sound recording.”
For more information concerning this issue, see Sections 808.4(J), 808.10 (G) (3), and 808.10 (G).