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    COPYRIGHT DURATION

 

Works created after January 1, 1978:  Copyright protection will endure for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years.

Joint work:  Life of the last surviving author plus an additional 70 years.

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 created but not published or registered before January 1, 1978:   The term endures for life of the author  plus 70 years, but in no case will expire earlier than December 31, 2002. If the work is published before December  31, 2002, the term will not expire before December 31, 2047

Pre-1978 works still in their original or renewal term of copyright:  The total term is extended to 95 years from the date that copyright was originally secured.

 

Learn more about why every author should register their works.