How long does a copyright last?
How long does a copyright last? The term of copyright for a particular work depends on several factors, including whether it has been published, and, if so, the date of first publication. As a general rule, for works created after January 1, 1978, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years. For an anonymous work, a pseudonymous work, or a work made for hire, the copyright endures for a term of 95 years from the year of its first publication or a term of 120 years from the year of its creation, whichever expires first. For works first published prior to 1978, the term will vary depending on several factors. To determine the length of copyright protection for a particular work, consult chapter 3 of the Copyright Act (title 17 of the United States Code). More information on the term of copyright can be found in Circular 15a, Duration of Copyright, and Circular 1, Copyright Basics.
Far too long.
It should be something like a patent, IMO: 20 years.
The length of time since Walt Disney created Mickey Mouse plus zero to twenty years, depending on how close it is to when Congress needs to lengthen copyrights again.
It is already in the public domain in other countries...well before us.
Copyright terms vary by country. That’s what tripped up the vendor of public domain works. Orwell’s books are out of copyright in Canada but not in the US.
Thanks to the Mighty Mickey, nothing will ever again pass out of copyright in the US.
In America, it's essentially, because neither congress nor the supreme Court understands what a "limted time" is. If you'd like to download a copy of 1984 and Animal farm, google "project gutenberg Australia". Apparently the copyright laws are sane down under.