How long does Copyright Last?
The
1988 Copyright, Designs and Patents Act states the duration of copyright as:
i. For literary, dramatic, musical or artistic works
70 years from the end of the calendar year in which the last remaining author
of the work dies*, or,
If the author is unknown, copyright will last for 70 years from the end of the year
in which the work was created; if it is made available to the public during
that time, (by publication, authorized performance, broadcast, etc.), copyright
will run for 70 years from the end of the year that the work was first made
available.
ii. Sound Recordings
50 years from the end of the calendar year in which the work was created, or,
If the work is published, or otherwise made available to the public by the
rights owner within that time, 70 years from the end of the year that the work
was first published or made available.
iii. Films
70 years from the end of the calendar year in which the last principal
director, author or composer dies*.
If the work is of unknown authorship: 70 years from the end of the year of
creation, or if made available to the public in that time, 70 years from the
end of the year the film was first made available
iv. Typographical arrangement of published editions
25 years from the end of the calendar year in which the work was
first published.
v. Broadcasts and cable programmes
50 years from the end of the calendar year in which the broadcast
was made.
vi. Crown Copyright
Crown copyright will exist in works made by an officer of the Crown, this
includes items such as legislation and documents and reports produced by
government bodies.
Crown copyright will last for a period of 125 years from the end of the
calendar year in which the work was made.
If the work was commercially published within 75 years of the end of the year
in which it was made, Crown copyright will last for 50 years from the end of
the calendar year in which it was published.
vii. Parliamentary Copyright
Parliamentary copyright will apply to work that is made by or under the
direction or control of the House of Commons or the House of Lords and will
last until 50 years from the end of the calendar year in which the work was
made.
