Copyrights FAQs

Works Originally Created on or after January 1, 1978

For these works, copyright protection will endure for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years. In the case of a joint work, the term lasts for 70 years after the last surviving author's death. For anonymous and pseudonymous works and works made for hire, the term will be 95 years from the year of first publication or 120 years from the year of creation, whichever expires first.

Works Originally Created Before January 1, 1978, but not Published or Registered by that Date

For works created but not published or registered before January 1, 1978, the term endures for life of the author plus 70 years. In no case can a term have expired earlier than December 31, 2002. If the work was published before December 31, 2002, the term will not expire before December 31, 2047.

Works Originally Created and Published or Registered Before January 1, 1978.

For pre-1978 works still in their original or renewal term of copyright, the total term is extended to 95 years from the date copyright was originally secured.