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How long does copyright last?

The duration of copyright protection depends on the type of work and the laws of the country. Here’s a general breakdown:

1. General Copyright Duration for Creative Works (Including Designs)

  • Life of the author + 70 years (Common in the U.S., UK, EU, and India).
  • If the work is created by multiple authors, copyright lasts 70 years after the last surviving author’s death.

2. Copyright Duration for Corporate or Anonymous Works

  • If a company owns the copyright (work-for-hire), it lasts 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter.

3. Special Cases for Copyright Duration

  • Unpublished Works: Protected indefinitely until published, after which standard rules apply.
  • Renewed Copyrights: Some older works have extended copyright terms due to past laws.
  • Public Domain: Once copyright expires, the work enters the public domain, meaning anyone can use it freely.

Copyright Duration in India

In India, copyright protection is governed by the Copyright Act, 1957 and its amendments. The duration of copyright depends on the type of work:

1. Literary, Dramatic, Musical, and Artistic Works (Including Designs)

  • Copyright lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 60 years after their death.
  • Example: If an artist creates a painting in 2024 and passes away in 2050, the copyright remains valid until 2110.

2. Cinematographic Films, Sound Recordings, and Photographs

  • Copyright lasts for 60 years from the year of publication/release.
  • Example: A movie released in 2020 will be protected until 2080.

3. Government, Public Undertakings, and Anonymous Works

  • Copyright lasts for 60 years from the year of publication.
  • This applies to government publications, reports, and works where the author is unknown.

4. Posthumous Works (Published After the Author’s Death)

  • If a work is published after the author’s death, copyright lasts 60 years from the date of publication.

5. Copyright for Corporate-Owned (Work-for-Hire) Content

  • If a company owns the copyright (e.g., software, branding materials), the protection lasts 60 years from the year of publication.

Public Domain in India

After copyright expires, the work enters the public domain, meaning it can be freely used, modified, or republished by anyone.