How Long Does Copyright Protection Last in India?

In India, copyright protection lasts for a certain period depending on the type of work. The Copyright Act, 1957, outlines the duration of protection for various types of works. Once the copyright expires, the work enters the public domain, meaning it can be freely used by others without permission.

Duration of Copyright Protection in India:

Literary, Dramatic, and Musical Works:

The copyright protection for literary, dramatic, and musical works lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 60 years after their death.

Example: If an author writes a book in 2000 and passes away in 2050, the copyright for the book will last until 2110 (2050 + 60 years).

Posthumous Works:

If a work is published after the death of the author, the copyright lasts for 60 years from the year of publication.

Example: If an author passes away in 2050, and a previously unpublished manuscript is released in 2055, the copyright will last until 2115.

Cinematographic Films:

For cinematographic films (including documentaries, movies, and other video content), copyright lasts for 60 years from the date of release of the film, regardless of the life of the creators or contributors.

Example: A film released in 2025 will have copyright protection until 2085.

Sound Recordings:

Sound recordings (e.g., music albums, audio recordings) are protected for 60 years from the year of first publication.

Example: A music album released in 2020 will be protected until 2080.

Works of Applied Art:

Copyright for works of applied art (such as designs, artistic works on furniture, etc.) lasts for 10 years, but it can be renewed for another 10 years. This means the total maximum duration of copyright protection can be 20 years.

Example: The design of a unique piece of furniture will be protected for 20 years if renewed every 10 years.

Photographs:

The copyright for photographs is valid for 60 years from the date of creation.

Example: A photograph taken in 2020 will be protected until 2080.

Anonymous and Pseudonymous Works:

If the work is published under a pseudonym or anonymously, the copyright lasts for 60 years from the date of publication.

Example: An anonymous novel published in 2020 will be protected until 2080.

Renewal of Copyright:

For most works, copyright protection lasts for the set term (e.g., life of the author + 60 years). There is no provision for renewing the copyright after this term ends, as the work enters the public domain.

However, in the case of applied arts, the copyright can be renewed after 10 years for an additional 10 years, as mentioned earlier.

Example:

• A novel written by an author in 1990 will have copyright protection until 2050 (1990 + 60 years after the author's death).
• A song released in 2000 will have copyright protection until 2060 (2000 + 60 years from its release).
• A film released in 2010 will be protected until 2070 (60 years from release).
• A furniture design will be protected for 20 years with renewal after the first 10 years.

Conclusion:

In India, the duration of copyright protection varies based on the type of work. The general rule is that copyright lasts for 60 years after the death of the author for literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works. Cinematographic films, sound recordings, and other works have a fixed protection period of 60 years from the date of publication or release. Some works, like applied arts, have a shorter term of protection with the possibility of renewal. Once the copyright expires, the work enters the public domain, allowing others to use it freely.