Copyright

Copyright protection starts as soon as a work is created by an author. Once the

copyright has expired, anyone is free to use or copy your work for any purpose.

The length of copyright depends on the type of work that has been produced.

Type of work How long copyright usually lasts

Written, dramatic, musical and artistic work 70 years after the author’s death (rights can be
inherited by family members or donated)

Sound and music recording 70 years from when it’s first published

Films 70 years after the death of the director,

screenplay author and composer

Broadcasts 50 years from when it’s first broadcast

Layout of published editions of written, 25 years from when it’s first published
dramatic or musical works
All recordings above, if played on the radio are thus subject to copyright and then liable for
royalty fees to be paid to the artist and distributors. These fees vary by the type of recording
and the type of station where they are played.