How long is copyright protection valid on new works?

Whether you decided to register it or not, your copyright is a personal property right that gives you copyright protection from unauthorized use by others. To ensure and safeguard this right, you should understand how long your copyright protection will last.

The term of copyright for a particular work depends on several factors. Copyright protection may be affected if the copyright has been published, and, if so, the date of first publication. Generally, for works created after January 1, 1978, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author or copyright owner plus an additional 70 years. For example, if the author is now age 21 and lives 75 more years, copyright protection would last for 145 years.

If a work is anonymous, or created for hire, or the author used an assumed name, the terms are different. In cases like these, the copyright endures for a term of 95 years from the year of its first publication or a term of 120 years from the year of its creation, whichever expires first. For items published before 1978, the terms can be complicated. Calling or emailing the U.S. Copyright Office is the best way to determine how long copyright protection for these works will last.

You don’t have to renew your copyright to maintain copyright protection, but it would be good to do so in certain situations. Copyrights for works published or registered before January 1, 1978 may be renewed after 28 years. Because after a time, copyrights can become part of the public domain (widely known and available for unrestricted use), renewing older copyrights has some legal advantages.

For information on whether a copyright renewal is right for you and how to file a renewal application to maintain your copyright protection, go to the U.S. Copyright Office’s website or contact a copyright attorney. Works published or registered after January 1, 1978 are not subject to copyright renewal registration.

Case Studies: Understanding the Duration of Copyright Protection

Case Study 1: Musical Composition

Alex, a talented musician, composed a beautiful piece of music and decided to register it for copyright protection. Since Alex is the author of the work, the copyright will endure for their lifetime plus an additional 70 years. This ensures that Alex’s musical creation will be protected from unauthorized use and exploitation for a significant period, allowing them to benefit from their artistic endeavors.

Case Study 2: Anonymous Publication

Emma published her novel anonymously, without revealing her identity as the author. In such cases, copyright protection lasts for 95 years from the year of first publication. Emma’s novel will enjoy copyright protection for this extended duration, allowing her work to be recognized and safeguarded, even without her name attached to it.

Case Study 3: Creative Work-for-Hire

As a freelance designer, Michael created an impressive logo for a client as part of a work-for-hire agreement. In this scenario, the copyright duration differs. The copyright for works created for hire endures for 95 years from the year of first publication or 120 years from the year of creation, whichever expires first. Michael’s creative work will be protected under these terms, ensuring the client’s exclusive rights to the logo for an extended period.