From 1 January 2005, the period of copyright protection for most works increased. This period of protection will apply to all works that were still in copyright on 1 January 2005. To work out if a work was in copyright on 1January 2005, you will need to apply the pre-1 January 2005 copyright periods.
| Types of Copyright Material | Extended Term |
|---|---|
Literary, musical, dramatic and artistic work excluding photographs |
Lifetime of author plus 70 years |
Photographs |
Lifetime of author plus 70 years |
Unpublished literary (other than computer programs) dramatic works |
70 years after calendar year end of first publication |
Unpublished engravings |
70 years after calendar year end of first publication |
Pseudonyms and anonymous names |
70 years after calendar year end of first publication |
Sound recording and films |
70 years after calendar year end of first broadcast, exhibition or publication |
Types of Copyright Material |
Current Term |
|---|---|
Literary Works |
Lifetime of author plus 50 years |
Artistic works (except photographs) |
Lifetime of author plus 50 years |
Dramatic works |
Lifetime of author plus 50 years |
Musical works |
Lifetime of author plus 50 years |
Types of Copyright Material |
Current Term |
|---|---|
photographs |
50 years from end of year photograph taken |
unpublished works photographs |
50 years from end of year work first published |
anonymous works |
50 years from end of year work first published |
Types of Copyright Material |
Current Term |
|---|---|
Films |
50 years from end of year film first released |
Sound Recordings |
50 years from end of year recording first released |
Published editions |
25 years from first publication |
