What is the duration of copyright protection?

Copyright protection in Texas is subject to the same duration as in the rest of the United States. Generally, copyright protection begins when a work is fixed in a tangible medium, such as when a written work is saved in a text document. Copyright protection then lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. For works created anonymously, pseudonymously, or for hire, copyright protection lasts for 95 years after the work was first published or for 120 years after the work was created, whichever is shorter. In addition, for any work created before January 1, 1978, copyright protection may last for the life of the author plus either 75 years or 95 years after the work was first published, whichever is shorter. This is known as the “Copyright Act of 1976.” After this, the copyright may be renewed for an additional period of 47 years. However, if it is not renewed, the copyright expires after the initial 95 year period. Finally, if the work is published before January 1, 1978, the copyright may last for 28 years from the date of publication, with the option of renewal for a further period of 47 years. If the work is not renewed, the copyright expires after that initial 28 year period. In short, the duration of copyright protection in Texas depends on when the work was created or published. Generally, it lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years after the work was created, though there are some exceptions for works created prior to 1978.

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