Writing Feature Articles, 4th Edition

Appendix 4  The Society of Authors’ Quick Guide 1: Copyright and Moral Rights

Points 1–8: Copyright in the UK

Points 9–17: Copyright in the USA

Points 18–23: Moral Rights

© The Society of Authors 2002

The Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB, UK

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I Copyright in the UK

1. How long does UK copyright protection last?

(a) General rule

Copyright in the work of European authors who died after 1st January 1945 lasts until 70 years from the end of the year the author died (post mortem auctoris: pma). Until 1st January 1996, copyright lasted until 50 years pma. For a work of joint authorship, i.e. a work by two or more authors in which the contributions of the authors ...