The Duration of a Copyright

The duration of a copyright can be measured by when a work was created.

Works created on or after January 1, 1978 are measured generally for 70 years after the life of the author. That means that the copyright expires 70 years after the author's death. In the case of a joint work, the 70-year time period is measured after the last author's death.

Works that are works for hire,the term is 95 years from the date of its first publication, or 120 years from the date the work was created.

Works created before January 1, 1978 have a complex formula to measure the length of the copyright. Please contact the law firm if you have any questions.

 
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