How long does copyright last?
Answer
This is a complex question and depends on a number of factors including whether it was published, and if it was, the date and location of first publication. But there are some general rules:
For works created after January 1, 1978
- Copyright protection lasts for 70 years past the life of the author.
- Anonymous works, pseudonymous works, or works for hire have a copyright duration of 95 years from the date of first publication or 120 years from the date of creation, whichever expires first.
For works published before 1978
- Copyright duration varies depending on several factors including whether the copyright registration was renewed.
- For help determining the copyright status of these works, see Copyright Term and the Public Domain, an excellent resource from Cornell University Library.