What is a copyright duration?
A copyright duration is the length of time for which a copyright or the exclusive legal right to reproduce, distribute, perform, or display a work of authorship, is protected by law. In Pennsylvania, the copyright duration for an original work of authorship is the life of the author plus seventy years. So if the author is alive, the copyright will not expire until seventy years after their death. If the work was prepared by two or more authors, the copyright will not expire until seventy years after the death of the last surviving author. When a work is created by an employee acting within the scope of their employment, the copyright duration is 95 years from first publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter. In the case of works made for hire, a work prepared by a third party, or a collective work created by an association or a union, the copyright duration is 95 years from the first publication or 120 years from the creation of the work. In Pennsylvania, copyright durations can be extended or renewed for an additional period of time, but only if certain criteria are met. For example, the work must have been published before the original copyright term expired and must have been renewed within a certain period of time. The duration of a copyright is an important factor in determining the value of a work of authorship. It is important for authors and creators to be aware of the copyright duration for their works in order to ensure that they receive the full benefit of their copyright.
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