Copyright Term and the Public Domain in the United States
1 January 2007
UNPUBLISHED WORKS
Type of Work
Copyright Term
What was in the public domain in the U.S. as
of 1 January 20072
Unpublished works
Life of the author + 70 years
Works from authors who died before 1937.
Unpublished anonymous
and pseudonymous
works, and works made
for hire (corporate
authorship)
120 years from date of creation
Works created before 1887.
Unpublished works
created before 1978 that
were published after
1977 but before 2003
Life of the author + 70 years or 31 December
2047, whichever is greater
Nothing. The soonest the works can enter the
public domain is 1 January 2048
Unpublished works
created before 1978 that
were published after 31
December 2002
Life of the author + 70 years
Works of authors who died before 1937.
Unpublished works when
the death date of the
author is not known3
120 years from date of creation4
Works created before 1887.4
WORKS PUBLISHED IN THE US
Date of Publication5
Conditions6
Copyright Term2
Before 1923
None
In the public domain
1923 through 1977
Published without a copyright notice
In the public domain
1978 to 1 March 1989
Published without notice, and without
subsequent registration
In the public domain
1978 to 1 March 1989
Published without notice, but with subsequent
registration
70 years after the death of author, or if work of
corporate authorship, the shorter of 95 years from
publication, or 120 years from creation2
1923 through 1963
Published with notice but copyright was not
renewed7
In the public domain
1923 through 1963
Published with notice and the copyright was
renewed7
95 years after publication date2
1964 through 1977
Published with notice
95 years after publication date2
1978 to 1 March 1989
Published with notice
70 years after death of author, or if work of
corporate authorship, the shorter of 95 years from
publication, or 120 years from creation2
After 1 March 1989
None
7