Copyright protection starts as soon as a work is created. Once copyright has expired, anyone can use or copy your work.
Type of work |
How long copyright usually lasts |
---|---|
Written, dramatic, musical and artistic work |
70 years after the author’s death |
Sound and music recording |
70 years from when it’s first published |
Films
|
70 years after the death of the director, screenplay a uthor or composer |
Broadcasts |
50 years from when it’s first broadcast |
Layout of published editions of written, dramatic or musical works |
25 years from when it’s first published |
Please note:"Layout of published editions of written, dramatic or musical works" refers to the typographical layout.
For more details see How copyright protects your work.