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The article examines the work for hire doctrine and the potential impact of the termination of sound recording copyrights on the artist in the U.S. It provides an overview of the pertinent history of copyright law in the nation. It describes the Sections 203 and 304(c) of the Copyright Act and the problems that such termination rights bring forth. Also explored are the legislative changes to right of termination and the factors of the work for hire doctrine as applied to artist contracts.

Discusses the United States Constitution, article 1, section 8,"The Congress shall have the power to promote the progress of science and the useful arts by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries," in connection with Brian Burton's case on his sound recording "The Grey Album." Violation of the copyright law during the distribution of the album; Increase of revenues from royalty payments; Assessment of the exclusive right of the owner of copyright in a sound recording.