How long do copyrights last?

For works created after January 1, 1978, 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.

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

For 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. For some works, this extended term is dependent upon whether a renewal was timely filed. Calculating the correct copyright term for pre-1978 works can be complicated. Contact us at info@iph2.com, or for more detailed information on the copyright term, request Copyright Office Circular 15a, "Duration of Copyright" and Copyright Office Circular 15t, "Extension of Copyright Terms."

Must copyright on newer works be renewed?

No. Works created on or after January 1, 1978, are not subject to renewal registration. As to works published or registered prior to January 1, 1978, renewal registration is optional after 28 years but does provide certain legal advantages. For information on how to file a renewal application as well as the legal benefit for doing so, see Copyright Office Circular 15, "Renewal of Copyright."