Copyright law provides protection to authors of original works by granting them exclusive rights for a certain period of time. It is often difficult to know exactly how long copyright protection lasts, and it can differ based on the type of work that is being protected and the country in which the author is located. In the United States, copyright laws for both published and unpublished works generally protect the author for the duration of the author’s life, plus an additional 70 years. In New York, the copyright protections can be longer or shorter, depending on the type of work being protected. For more detailed information, businesses and individuals seeking legal counsel can reach out to the experienced attorneys at UpCounsel.

What is Copyright?

Copyright is a form of legal protection granted to creators of original works. This includes “authors and owners of literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture” ([U.S. Copyright office](https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-duration.html#:~:text=Copyright%20protection%20for%20works%20created,life%20of%20the%20longer%20lived)) . Copyright grants the author exclusive rights to the use and distribution of their works, preventing others from distributing, copying, or using it without their permission. This protection is granted to the original author for a certain time period, and can be sold or transferred to others.

How long Does Copyright Protection Last?

In the United States, copyright protection typically lasts for the duration of the author’s life, plus an additional 70 years. This applies to both published and unpublished works. The copyright protection for works created before 1978 lasted for either 56 or 75 years.

However, the copyright protections can vary from state to state, and it is important to understand the specifics of the law in your area. For works published after 1978, the copyright owner is generally given at least 95 years of protection. However, in some cases, the copyright may last for 120 years.

In New York, the copyright protection can be longer or shorter, depending on the type of work being protected. Literary, musical, and artistic works are typically covered for the life of the author plus 70 years. However, for works for hire, the copyright protection generally lasts for either 95 or 120 years.

The copyright law for sound recordings made before February 15th, 1972, can be complicated. Generally, the copyright will last between 56 and 95 years, depending on the type of work and the date of publication.

What Are the Rights Granted by Copyright Owners?

Copyright owners are granted exclusive rights to the use and distribution of their works. This includes the right to:

- Publish the work

- Reproduce the work

- Perform or display the work publicly

- Make derivative works

- Distribute copies of the work

- Translate the work

The copyright holder is the only one who can exercise these rights, and they can choose to sell or transfer them to others.

Seeking Legal Guidance

For more detailed information about copyright protection in New York, businesses and individuals seeking legal counsel should reach out to the experienced attorneys at UpCounsel. With a network of experienced, high-quality lawyers, UpCounsel can provide on-demand legal services to businesses of all sizes, ranging from small startups to Fortune 500 companies.

Topics:

Copyright Protection,

New York Copyright Laws,

Music Copyright