manuscript card · U.S. Copyright Office · 2026-10-04
Apply the Life-Plus-70 or 95/120 Rule
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Example result
The term runs through the end of 2070.
Example loaded. Change a figure to use your own.
For a work created after January 1, 1978, copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years.
Life plus 70 ends in 2070, not in the year of death.
- Creation year: 1990.
- Death year: 2000.
- End year: 2070.
What would change this
A different year of death changes the end year. A work made for hire uses the other rule.
Next step
This is the general rule. It is not a renewal analysis, and it does not decide who owns the copyright.
Re-run this if you learn the year of death, or that the work was made for hire.
This tool gives general information. It is not legal advice. Laws differ by state and change. Check the result with a licensed attorney or a legal aid office before you act.
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Show the working
- Source: U.S. Copyright Office duration FAQ, checked 2026-10-04.
Data as of 2026-10-04. Source: U.S. Copyright Office — How Long Does Copyright Protection Last?.
What this does not cover
- The Copyright Office describes these as general rules.
- Anonymous and pseudonymous works use the 95/120 rule, not life plus 70.
- The tool speaks in calendar years, as the FAQ does.
This tool gives general information. It is not legal advice. Laws differ by state and change. Check the result with a licensed attorney or a legal aid office before you act.
Re-run this if you learn the year of death, or that the work was made for hire.