Duration of copyright

The duration of copyright is prescribed in section 3(2) and the term is different for different categories of works. The term of copyright in respect of literary, musical or artistic works, other than photographs, is the life of the author plus fifty years from the end of the year in which the author dies. There are special provisions for unpublished works.

In respect of cinematograph films, photographs and computer programs, the term is fifty years from the end of the year in which the work is made available to the public with the consent of the owner of the copyright, or the end of the year in which the work is first published, whichever term is longer, or failing this, fifty years from the end of the year in which the work is made.

In the case of sound recordings, the term is fifty years from the end of the year in which the recording is first published.

In respect of broadcasts, it is fifty years from the end of the year in which the broadcast first takes place.

In the case of programme-carrying signals, the term is fifty years from the end of the year in which the signals are emitted to a satellite.

In the case of published editions, the term is fifty years from the end of the year in which the edition is first published.

Special provisions provide for anonymous or pseudonymous works and works of joint authorship.