Get Extension Of Copyright Terms - Copyright

When you hold a copyright, you enjoy two basic forms of protection under both U.S. law, including the 1976 Copyright Act, and the Berne Convention, in the 166 countries that are signatories. These laws protect your economic and moral rights.

ing to World Intellectual Property Organisation, copyright protects two types of rights. Economic rights allow right owners to derive financial reward from the use of their works by others. Moral rights allow authors and creators to take certain actions to preserve and protect their link with their work.

The primary purpose behind copyright law is to foster the creation and dissemination of works for the benefit of the public. By granting authors the exclusive right to authorize certain uses of their works, copyright provides economic incentives to create new works and to make them available in the marketplace.

The general rule is that copyright lasts for 60 years. In the case of original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works the 60-year period is counted from the year following the death of the author.

The length of copyright established by the Founding Fathers was 14 years, plus the ability to renew it one time, for 14 more. 40 years later, the initial term was changed to 28 years.

Even though the next 20 years will see many more significant works enter the public domain, including Disney's famous early films like Snow White, Bambi, and Fantasia, the major media and entertainment companies haven't called for another term extension—and none seems likely.

To file a renewal application, you must use Form RE provided by the U.S. Copyright Office and pay a renewal fee of $125. Renewal registration is effective when the U.S. Copyright Office receives all required documents.

The general rule is that copyright lasts for 60 years. In the case of original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works the 60-year period is counted from the year following the death of the author.