Copyright protection for works published before January 1, 1978, was increased by 20 years to a total of 95 years from their publication date. The 1998 Act extended these terms to life of the author plus 70 years and for works of corporate authorship to 120 years after creation or 95 years after publication, whichever end is earlier. The 1976 Act also increased the extension term for works copyrighted before 1978 that had not already entered the public domain from 28 years to 47 years, giving a total term of 75 years. įollowing the Copyright Act of 1976, copyright would last for the life of the author plus 50 years, or 75 years for a work of corporate authorship. It is one of several acts extending the terms of copyrights. The Copyright Term Extension Act ( CTEA) – also known as the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act, Sonny Bono Act, or (derisively) the Mickey Mouse Protection Act – extended copyright terms in the United States in 1998. copyright law (assuming authors create their works 35 years before their death)

Right to copy extension