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Music

Copyright Information


Music Copyright Information

Public Domain Dates

DATE OF WORK PROTECTED FROM TERM
Published before 1923 In public domain None
Published from 1923 - 63 When published with notice 28 years + could be renewed for 47 years, now extended by 20 years for a total renewal of 67 years. If not so renewed, now in public domain
Published from 1964 - 77 When published with notice 28 years for first term; now automatic extension of 67 years for second term
Created before 1-1-78 but not published 1-1-78, the effective date of the 1976 Act which eliminated common law copyright Life + 70 years or 12-31-2002, whichever is greater
Created before
1-1-78 but published between then and 12-31-2002
1-1-78, the effective date of the 1976 Act which eliminated common law copyright Life + 70 years or 12-31-2047 whichever is greater
Created 1-1-78 or after When work is fixed in tangible medium of expression Life + 70 years (or if work of corporate authorship, the shorter of 95 years from publication, or 120 years from creation

Chart by Lolly Gasaway from the webpage, "When U.S. Works Pass Into the Public Domain", 2003