Copyright Guidelines

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Copyright Guidelines On or before 1923 - generally considerd in the public domain because copyright is not renewed, however there are exceptions. If a photo for example has a copyright notice or if it has been extended or renewed, it will not belong in the public domain, please verify Best policy is to consult the Copyright Office or conduct a through search of copyright records, particularly works between 1923-1963. Hathi Trust Digital Library or Internet Archive are great sources to try. You can search copyright records.

Public Domain - the duration of copyright in the work has expired, the work was produced by the U.S. federal government; the work isn't fixed in a tangible form; the work didn't include a proper copyright notice prior to 1 Mar 1989; the work doesn't have sufficient originality. Examples of public domain

Between 1923-1963 - they must have been renewed after the initial 28-year period.

Between 1964-1977 - renewals were automatic, lasting 95 years from date of publication.

On 1 Jan 1978 or after - for works created after 1 Jan 1978, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years. For an anonymous work 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

Prior to 1 Jan 1978 or before - works first published prior to 1978, the term will vary depending on several factors but not before 31 Dec 2002. 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.

History and Timeline of Copyright

Copyright Act of 1790

Transcribed by County Coordinator, Kimberly Taylor Morgan
Source: Copyright.gov