How long does copyright last for a work?
October 15, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Verena Friedendahl
Dear copyright lawyer,
I have a question regarding the copyright of a work. Some time ago, I created a piece of art and I am wondering how long the copyright for it lasts. I am not sure if I need to register the work for protection or if it is automatically protected.
The reason behind my inquiry is that I would like to use the work commercially, but I also want to ensure that my rights as the creator are protected. I have received some inquiries from potential buyers, but before entering into any contracts, I want to make sure that my work is adequately protected.
My concern is that someone else could use my work without my permission and I would not have any legal recourse. I want to ensure that I retain all rights to my work and that it is not used without my consent.
Could you please explain to me how long the copyright for my work lasts and if I need to take additional steps to protect it? Are there any possible solutions to protect my work in the long term and preserve my rights as the creator?
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Yours sincerely,
Selma Hemminger
Dear Mrs. Hemminger,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the copyright for your artwork. Copyright protects works such as paintings, music pieces, texts, or photos from unauthorized use by third parties. In general, copyright is automatically created with the creation of the work, so you do not need to take any further steps to protect your work. This means that your artwork is protected by copyright from the beginning, without the need for separate registration or marking.
The copyright for your artwork typically lasts until 70 years after your death. This means that your heirs can continue to have rights to your work after your passing. In terms of the commercial use of your work, it is important to preserve your rights as the creator and ensure that you are adequately compensated for the use of your work.
If you have already received inquiries from potential buyers, you should make sure to establish clear agreements to regulate the use of your work. A written contract can, for example, specify how your work can be used, what compensation you will receive, and how long the duration of use will be. This way, you can ensure that your rights as the creator are preserved and that you are protected from unauthorized use.
There is also the option to further protect your work by registering it in a registry or through a Creative Commons license. With such a license, you determine under what conditions your work may be used, such as whether it can be used commercially or modified. This gives you more control over the use of your work and ensures that it is used according to your preferences.
I hope I have been able to answer your questions comprehensively. If you have any further questions or need assistance in drafting contracts, I am at your disposal.
Best regards,
Verena Friedendahl
Copyright Lawyer
