Copyright Duration Calculator
Estimate the copyright duration and expiration year for a creative work based on jurisdiction, work type, and publication details.
Formulas Used
United States (post-1977):
- Individual / Joint: Life of (last surviving) author + 70 years
- Work for Hire / Anonymous: min(95 years from publication, 120 years from creation)
- Published 1964–1977: 95 years from publication
- Published 1928–1963 (renewed): 95 years from publication
- Published 1928–1963 (not renewed): 28 years from publication (now expired)
- Published before 1928: Public domain
European Union / United Kingdom:
- Individual / Joint: Life of (last surviving) author + 70 years
- Anonymous / Work for Hire: 70 years from publication
International (Berne Convention Minimum):
- Individual / Joint: Life of (last surviving) author + 50 years
- Anonymous / Work for Hire: 50 years from publication
Assumptions & References
- All terms run to the end of the calendar year in which they expire (Berne Art. 7(5); 17 U.S.C. § 305).
- US pre-1978 rules are based on the Copyright Act of 1909 and the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act of 1998.
- For US works published 1928–1963, copyright had to be renewed in the 28th year; failure to renew placed the work in the public domain.
- EU rules are based on Directive 2006/116/EC (harmonising the term of protection to life + 70 years).
- UK rules post-Brexit mirror EU rules under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 as amended.
- Berne Convention minimum terms (life + 50) apply to ~180 member countries; many countries provide longer terms.
- This calculator does not account for unpublished works, government works, sound recordings, or moral rights.
- This tool provides estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified IP attorney for specific situations.