When Does Copyright Expire
without the guesswork.
Copyright Public Domain Calculator — Apply supported post-1977 U.S. life-plus-70 or 95/120-year terms and show the next-January public-domain checkpoint. Includes a practical guide and embedded calculator. Inputs stay in your browser.
For supported post-1977 U.S. works, the calculation ends the statutory term on December 31 of the applicable year and shows the following January 1 as the public-domain entry date.
Context matters.
- Works created or published before 1978 can depend on publication, notice, registration and renewal history and are intentionally blocked from this simplified path.
- For anonymous, pseudonymous and works-made-for-hire, the term is generally the earlier of 95 years from first publication or 120 years from creation.
- A public-domain conclusion for one underlying work does not clear a later edition, translation, arrangement, recording, trademark, publicity right or foreign copyright.
Sources & scope
This page shows the source trail, jurisdiction and review date alongside the result. Always confirm time-sensitive rules with the linked authority.
What to know before using the result.
Why are pre-1978 works blocked?
Their U.S. term can depend on publication, notice, registration and renewal history. The post-1977 life-plus-70 and 95/120-year paths are not enough.
How is a work-made-for-hire term calculated?
For the supported current-law path, it is generally the earlier of 95 years from first publication or 120 years from creation.
Does the date clear every use of the work?
No. Later editions, translations, arrangements, sound recordings, trademarks, publicity rights, restoration and foreign law may still apply.