The term for which the copyright protection is available under the Copyright Act, 1957, depends on the nature of the work which is copyrighted. Generally, it is 60 years. For example:
(1) For any literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work published within the lifetime of the author until, the term of the copyright subsists during the lifetime of the author and further for 60 years after his death.
(2) In the case of a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work (other than photograph), which is published anonymously or pseudonymously, copyright shall subsist until 60 years since the work is first published. However, where the identity of the author is disclosed before the expiry of the said period, copyright shall subsist during his lifetime and thereafter until 60 years after the death of the author.
(3) In the case of a photograph, copyright shall subsist until 60 years from the beginning of the calendar year next following the year in which the photograph is published.
(4) In the case of a cinematograph film, copyright shall subsist until 60 years from the beginning of the calendar year next following the year in which the film is published.
(5) In the case of a sound recording, copyright shall subsist until 60 years from the beginning of the calendar year next following the year in which the sound recording is published.
(6) In the case of a Government work, where Government is the first owner of the copyright therein, copyright shall subsist until 60 years from the beginning of the calendar year next following the year in which the work is first published.
Dr. Ashok Dhamija is a New Delhi based Supreme Court Advocate and author of law books. Read more about him by clicking here. List of his Forum Replies. List of his other articles. List of his Quora Answers. List of his YouTube Videos.
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