How Long Does Copyright Last in Chicago?
It's important for copyright holders in Chicago to know how long their rights to a creative work will last3 min read
It's important for copyright holders in Chicago to know how long their rights to a creative work will last. Having a comprehensive understanding of the duration of one's legal protection provides valuable security when it comes to protecting their assets in the years to come.
U.S. copyright law is governed by the 1976 Copyright Act, which governs the protection of original works of authorship. Under this act, different types of works can have different levels of copyright protection, which can range from 14-70 years after the death of the originator. Most common types of copyright have a term of life of the author plus 70 years.
Generally, Chicago copyright holders can enjoy exclusive rights to their works for the duration of their lives, plus 70 additional years. However, there are a few other factors that can affect the length of copyright. These include the type of work registered, the date it was originally created, the date it was registered, and who owns the copyright.
Copyright Duration for Different Types of Creative Works
Copyright duration for creative works can vary depending on the type of work. The duration for each type of registration is determined by a combination of federal laws and international treaties that governs copyright protection.
Books and Other Published Literary Works
One of the longest durations of copyright is for published books and other forms of printed literature. In Chicago, published literary works are protected for the life of the author plus 70 years. After this period, the work enters the public domain and can be used by anyone free of copyright restrictions.
Musical Recordings and Compositions
The length of copyright for musical recordings and compositions is slightly different than print publications. In Chicago, musical works and recordings are protected for 95 years from the date of first publication or 120 years from the date of creation, whichever is shorter.
Photographs, Artworks, and Sculptures
Photographs, artworks, and other visual representations of works are protected for the life of the author plus 70 years. If the work is made for hire and the copyright is owned by an entity, the duration of the copyright is 120 years after the date it was published.
Movies, Television Programs, and other Performances
The duration of copyright for motion pictures, television programs, and other performances varies greatly based on when the work was created and published. Generally, the duration of copyright for these types of work is 95 years from the date of first publication.
Anonymous and Pseudonymous Works
Anonymous and pseudonymous works are protected under copyright and the duration of the copyright is the same as for works under author's own name. The duration of copyright for an anonymous or pseudonymous work is usually the life of the author plus 70 years.
For works that are made for hire, the copyright owner is usually the employer or the party who commissioned the work. Copyright duration for works made for hire is 95 years from the date of publication or 120 years from the date of creation, whichever is shorter.
Understanding How to Copyright Work in Chicago
Understanding the duration of copyright for works created in Chicago is important, but so too is understanding how to copyright work that you create. In Chicago, work is considered copyrighted from the moment it is penned down or recorded. However, registering your work with the U.S. Copyright Office gives you greater control and security over your creations.
One of the primary benefits of registering your work is that it provides evidence of ownership. It also gives the owner the right to take legal action against those who infringe on copyright. Additionally, registering a work with the Copyright Office can secure a copyright for up to 70 years after the death of the author.
To register a work in the U.S., you must fill out an application and include a non-returnable copy of the work. Additionally, it is necessary to pay a fee for the application and include any necessary documents to prove your ownership of the work. Once the work is registered, you will receive a certificate of registration that supports your rights against infringers.
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