Ryan likes a bassline from a popular artist’s song and wants to use it in his own video. He’s unsure of whether he has the rights to use it. What should he do first?

Consulting a lawyer is the most appropriate first step because copyright law is complex. A lawyer specializing in intellectual property can accurately assess the legal implications of using copyrighted material and advise on obtaining proper licensing or determining if fair use applies. Uploading the video to YouTube without clarifying rights could lead to copyright strikes, content removal, or even legal action against Ryan. A YouTube partner representative can offer general advice but cannot provide legal counsel. Tagging the artist in comments does not grant permission or absolve Ryan of copyright infringement.