A lot of people hoping to publish content they like once it is in the public domain are wondering when exactly copyright protection of an original work expires. The number of years varies by country, but below is a breakdown of a few national laws. Please note that the times can vary based on legislative changes, as well as there often being different protection periods for different forms of media (literary works, sound recordings, etc.).
Canada: Lifetime of the author plus 50 years after death.
New Zealand: Lifetime of the author plus 50 years after death. Different time periods apply to other non-written copyrighted works.
United Kingdom: The lifetime of the author plus 70 years after death for written works. Other time periods can apply to works other than the written variety.
United States: Usually the lifetime of the author plus 70 years after the death of the author for written works. It can be much more if the work is published anonymously.
SOURCES (Open in new window)
Canadian Intellectual Property Office: How long does copyright last?
New Zealand Ministry of Economic Development: How Long Does Protection Last?
United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office: How long copyright lasts
US Copyright Office: How Long Does Copyright Protection Last?
Canada: Lifetime of the author plus 50 years after death.
New Zealand: Lifetime of the author plus 50 years after death. Different time periods apply to other non-written copyrighted works.
United Kingdom: The lifetime of the author plus 70 years after death for written works. Other time periods can apply to works other than the written variety.
United States: Usually the lifetime of the author plus 70 years after the death of the author for written works. It can be much more if the work is published anonymously.
SOURCES (Open in new window)
Canadian Intellectual Property Office: How long does copyright last?
New Zealand Ministry of Economic Development: How Long Does Protection Last?
United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office: How long copyright lasts
US Copyright Office: How Long Does Copyright Protection Last?
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