Copyright duration in the US is one of the most complex areas of intellectual property law — the rules changed multiple times in the 20th century. This calculator covers US copyright law only. For international use, consult the law of the relevant country.
Work Details
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Copyright Status
How to Use the Copyright Duration Calculator
US copyright duration follows different rules depending on when a work was created or published. The copyright law changed significantly in 1978 (Copyright Act) and again in 1998 (Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act). Works created before these dates follow older rules that can be complex to navigate.
The Key Cutoffs
Works published before 1924 are automatically in the public domain — no research needed. Works published 1924–1977 follow a complex regime based on registration, renewal, and whether they were published in the US. Works published 1978 or later follow the modern rule: life of the author plus 70 years (individual creators) or 95 years from publication (corporate/anonymous works).
Warning: Copyright Is Complex
This calculator provides general guidance based on US federal copyright law. Many factors can affect actual copyright status: registration, renewal, transfers of ownership, international treaties, and unpublished status. For professional use — publishing, film, commercial projects — always verify with a qualified intellectual property attorney before assuming a work is in the public domain.
FAQ
Is this calculator free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required.
How long does copyright last in the US?
US copyright duration depends on when the work was created: works published after 1977 are protected for the life of the author plus 70 years; corporate/anonymous works get 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation; works published before 1924 are already in the public domain; works published 1924–1977 have more complex rules based on registration and renewal.
What is the public domain?
The public domain includes works whose copyright has expired, works that were never eligible for copyright (US government works, for example), and works where copyright was forfeited. Public domain works can be used freely without permission or payment. However, a new edition or translation of a public domain work may have its own copyright.
Are US government works copyrighted?
No. Works created by US federal government employees as part of their official duties are not eligible for copyright protection and are immediately in the public domain. This includes laws, court decisions, government reports, and most federal agency publications. State and local government works have varying protections.
What happens when an author dies without heirs?
If an author dies without heirs and no organization controls the copyright, the work enters a complex state. Copyright doesn't automatically expire at death without heirs — it typically passes to the estate, then to creditors, or potentially reverts to the publisher. The copyright term (life + 70 years) runs regardless. True orphaned works are a significant problem for researchers and archivists.
Does copyright apply internationally?
Copyright protection is territorial — each country has its own laws. However, the Berne Convention (signed by most countries) provides minimum standards and mutual recognition. A work may be in the public domain in one country but still protected in another. This calculator covers US law only. Always verify the rules in the country where you plan to use the work.