Wow, what a discussion in such short time. I think we had this discussion years ago already on this BBS

In my opinion music copyright and software copyright are mixed here.

Due to the discussion we had years ago I asked that time our dutch organisation (BUMA/STEMRA)their opinion. Don't forget they work worldwide with the other countries organisations and usually have more or less the same laws and regulations.

Their answer that time was basicly very clear.

Music copyright:
A combination of tones which are unique for a song and recognizable as that particular song exceeding 16 measures or 16 seconds.
If shorter but still very recognizable as f.i. a unique tune in an commercial it also is copyright.
So sampled loops can fall in this category!
Sampled sounds of instruments do not fall in this category.
You are not copying a tune but you are copying software.
Same with styles. There's no music copyright on standard styles. There can only be music copyright on a style if it contains a recognizable tune from a particular song.
Now why do you think styles are usually not longer as 16 measures?
Styles are protected by software laws if the raw data is exactly the same.
Same applies to samples.
This is also the reason the styleconverter software can exist.

That basicly answers most, but!
In my opinion you are not allowed to use or advertise with the name of another brand like yamaha,roland without their permission and even more call your changed sample or other changed raw data this is a T2 sample or this is a Roland sample.
In my opinion this is the same as copying a levi jean and put the brand name levi on it, while it is not a levi jean!

My 0,0002 cents
Fred