How long do copyrights last?

In California, copyrights can last for the entire lifetime of the creator plus an additional 70 years after their death. This is true for all works created after January 1, 1978. For works created before that date, the copyright usually lasts for 95 years from the date of publication. Copyright law protects the works of authors, musicians, and other creators from being reproduced, distributed, or performed without their permission. It’s important to remember that the copyright length doesn’t start when the work is created, but rather when it is published. If a copyrighted work is not published within 70 years of being created, then it will enter the public domain and no longer be legally protected by copyright. In some cases, a creator may sign over the copyright to someone else, such as a publisher or record label. In these cases, the copyright can last even longer, depending on the specific contract between the two parties. It’s important to note that copyright is an important part of protecting the financial interests of a creator, so artists and authors should take care when entering into any agreements involving the copyrights of their works.

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