Duration of Copyright Protection
How long a copyright lasts depends in large part on when the work in question was created. Depending on whether the work was created before or after January 1, 1978 could have substantial affect on the life-span of the copyright.
- Pre 1978 (Published) -
The copyright expires 75 years from the date of publication (if the copyright was renewed).
- Pre 1978 (Created, but not published) -
The copyright will expire on December 31, 2002.
- 1978 to present (copyright owned by an individual) -
The copyright will last for the life of the author, plus an additional 50 years.
- 1978 to present (copyright owned by employer of author) -
The copyright will last 75 years from the date of publication, or 100 years from the date of creation, whichever occurs first.
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