U.S. public domain calculator

Enter the year the author died to see how long the work is protected and when anyone can use it freely.

The author

Year the author died

Joint work: enter the year the last surviving author died.

Result

Enter a year to see the result.

Estimate for a work by an individual author created on or after January 1, 1978 (17 U.S.C. §§ 302 and 305). Works published before 1978 follow older rules: works published in the U.S. before 1931 are in the public domain. Works made for hire and anonymous works last 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever ends first.

How long does copyright last in the United States?

For works created on or after January 1, 1978, copyright lasts for the author's life plus 70 years (17 U.S.C. § 302), and every term runs to the end of the calendar year (§ 305). A work by an author who died in 1955 is protected until December 31, 2025, and entered the public domain on January 1, 2026.

Special cases

Joint works: 70 years after the death of the last surviving author.
Works made for hire, anonymous and pseudonymous works: 95 years from first publication or 120 years from creation, whichever ends first.
Works published before 1978: older rules apply. Works published in the United States before 1931 are in the public domain.

Public domain does not mean everything is free

A public domain work can be used freely. A recent translation, adaptation, arrangement or photograph of that work, however, can have its own copyright.

Quiz

Quick quiz

Three quick questions about copyright. The explanation shows as soon as you answer.

How long does copyright last for a work created today by an individual?
- 28 years, renewable once
- The author's life plus 70 years
- Forever
Show the answer
Correct answer: The author's life plus 70 years For works created since 1978, the term is the author's life plus 70 years (17 U.S.C. § 302). Works made for hire last 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever ends first.
To claim statutory damages and attorney's fees, when should a published work be registered?
- At any time before the trial
- Before the infringement starts, or within three months of first publication
- Within five years of the infringement
Show the answer
Correct answer: Before the infringement starts, or within three months of first publication Under 17 U.S.C. § 412, statutory damages (up to $150,000 per work for willful infringement) and attorney's fees are only available if the work was registered before the infringement began or within three months of publication. Registering early matters.
What is the best way to protect an original logo?
- Copyright only
- Trademark registration only
- Both: copyright covers the artwork, trademark covers its use as a brand
Show the answer
Correct answer: Both: copyright covers the artwork, trademark covers its use as a brand An original logo design is protected by copyright as soon as it is created. Registering it as a trademark with the USPTO gives you exclusive rights to use it as a brand for the goods and services listed.

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