Ask the copyright holder for permission.
If your use would not be considered fair, ask the copyright holder for permission, in writing, and be specific.
The only way of knowing would be to ask the copyright holder. There is no public record.
Just ask. Contact the copyright holder in writing; many rightsholders have online forms to simplify the process.
The copyright holder, or anyone the copyright holder authorizes.
Ask them in writing. Many rightsholders have online forms to facilitate this.
Unless it would qualify as "fair use" you will need to ask permission of the copyright holder.
If your use is not covered by a limitation, defense, or exception in the law, ask the copyright holder for permission.
Generally you would want to license the copyright, rather than buy it outright. To do this, you simply ask the copyright holder for permission, usually in writing.
Contact the copyright holder and ask for a license. The quickest way to find the copyright holder is through the performing rights organizations, ASCAP and BMI. Both PRO's websites have extensive information on this topic.
The short answer is, you ask the copyright holder. The long answer is, it depends on the type of work, and your proposed use. For some uses, you can get a blanket license from a royalty collecting society that will cover thousands of works for a given period of time. For others, you will need to negotiate directly with the rightsholder for a license, which will be very specific to your use.
The copyright holder or their appointed representative can take action.