Expert: Shannon Moore - 10/31/2008

Question
I wrote original (enterprise) humor columns for newspapers that employed me as an editor between 1975 and 1987. No matter I wrote the columns on my own time, I believe the newspapers own copyrights on those works. My question is: for what length of time do their copyright protections last?

Answer
Dear Tom,

"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...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)."

http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-duration.html#duration -- Link to above

http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap3.html -- Chapter 3, Duration of Copyright

Hope this helps!

Warmest regards,
Shannon Moore
http://www.tmexpress.com