How long are works published after 1977 copyrighted?

The duration of copyright protection for works published after January 1, 1978, is 70 years after the death of the author or the last surviving author. This is established by the Copyright Act of 1976, which altered earlier copyright lengths and brought them in line with international standards. For corporate authorship, a work is protected for 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever comes first.

In general, the 70-year term provides a significant period during which the copyright holder can control the use and distribution of the work, ensuring they benefit financially and maintaining the creator's rights over their intellectual property. This length of time reflects a balance between protecting creators and allowing eventually for public access to works.