How long does a Copyright last?

The term of a copyright will depend on a few different factors. For purposes of this article I will assume the work was created after January 1, 1978.

For works created by an author, the duration of the copyright lasts for  his or her entire life. Additionally, protection continues for an additional 70 years after the author’s death.

If the work was created anonymously, under an assumed name (also known as a pseudonymous publication), or was a work made for hire, the copyright expires 95 years after the year of its first published. Alternatively, the work term may last for 120 years from the year of its creation (rather than publication) if that term would expire first.

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About the Author

Elliott Stapleton

Elliott is a partner in the firm of Cornetet, Meyer, Rush and Stapleton serving clients throughout Ohio. Elliott's business clients range from small single member companies to large privately-held businesses. CMRS Law provides legal services which include advice on Business Formation and Transactions, Real Estate Transactions, Trademark Law, Copyright Law, Estate Planning, Trust Administration, Probate Administration, and Succession Planning. CMRS Law serves clients at two locations: 123 Boggs Lane, 1st Floor, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 and 2101 Grandin Road, Suite A, Cincinnati, OH 45208