How long do copyrights last?
Copyrights in North Carolina generally last for the life of the creator plus 70 years after their death. After this time, the work falls into the public domain, meaning anyone can use it without permission or payment of fees. However, for works made for hire, corporations, or anonymous works, the copyright lasts for 95 years from the date of publication or 120 years from the date of creation, whichever is shorter. Because copyright protections last so long, it is important to ensure that the copyright is registered with the United States Copyright Office to ensure the maximum legal protection. This registration can be done easily on the US Copyright Office website and is not expensive. Copyright laws protect the works of both professionals and hobbyists, so it is important to understand the basics if you are creating any kind of original work.
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