How long does copyright protection last?
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Copyright usually lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years, or for works made for hire, 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation (whichever comes first). However the duration of copyright protection may depend on other factors, such as when the work was published, which we can help you evaluate.
Copyright protection generally lasts for a very long time, but its exact duration depends on who created the work and when it was created. For most individual creators, copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years after their death. For works created by companies or under “work-for-hire” arrangements, the term is different: protection typically lasts for 95 years from the year of first publication or 120 years from creation—whichever expires first. This long period gives authors and rights holders a chance to control and benefit from their work for decades.
However, the rules aren’t one-size-fits-all. Older works may fall under different copyright timelines, and certain factors—like whether a work was published with notice or renewed properly—can affect whether it’s still protected. Because of these nuances, it’s important to confirm the copyright status of a work before using, licensing, or selling it. We help clients evaluate copyright terms, determine if a work has entered the public domain, and make sure they’re safely using creative content within the law.