How long does copyright last?
Copyright protects work for limited periods of time. The length of time depends on the type of work. Generally this is as follows:
Literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works (including a photograph)
Copyright lasts for 70 years following the death of the author/creator. If the work has been created by several people, copyright lasts until 70 years following the death of the last surviving author. (70 years is from 31st December of the year in which the author dies) N.B. Certain works fall outside this 70 year protection.
Films
Copyright lasts for 70 years after the death of the last to survive of the principal director, the authors of the screenplay and dialogue or the composer of the music especially created for the film (70 years is from 31st December of the year in which the author died).
Sound recordings
Copyright lasts for 50 years from 31st December of the year of the first recording or transmission.
Broadcasts and cable programmes
Copyright lasts for 50 years from 31st December of the year of the first recording or transmission. Some broadcasts via the internet which are intended for concurrent reception by members of the public are now also included in this category.
Typographical arrangement of a published work
Copyright lasts for 25 years from 31st December of the year in which the edition was first published.
Databases
Databases have full copyright protection for seventy years from the date of creation if the content and arrangements are considered original. i.e. if a database is compiled using skill and creativity it is protected by copyright. A database which, although it does not require creativity in its compilation, nonetheless requires a substantial investment in obtaining, verifying and presenting its contents, is protected by a "database right" which protects against copying and lasts for fifteen years and may be renewed if the database undergoes major (substantial) changes. Downloading from an online database to paper format is permitted only under the relevant terms of the licence from the database owner, as contractual terms will vary from one owner to another.
Computer programmes
Computer programme copyright lasts for 70 years from 31st December of the year in which the author dies.
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