How long do copyrights last?
- Most new works are protected for the life of the author plus 70 years.
- Current law no longer requires the formalities of notice or registration for copyright protection.
What works are not protected by copyright law?
- Ideas and facts
- Works of the U.S. government
- Works with expired copyright
Who owns the copyright?
- The creator of a new work is the copyright owner.
- Copyrights may be transferred by means of a written document signed by the copyright owner.
- Two or more authors working together may be joint copyright owners.
What are the rights of copyright owners?
- Section 106 of the Copyright Act: copyright owners have the exclusive rights to:
- reproduce the work
- distribute the work
- prepare derivative works
- publicly display the work
- publicly perform the work
What are the exceptions to the rights of copyright owners ?
- Fair use is the most important exception.
- Many other exceptions also exist (library copying, public displays, performances in face-to-face teaching, TEACH Act, among others).
- Congress continues to enact new exceptions, creating new opportunities to use copyrighted works.
