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Duration of Copyrights
I was wondering about the same thing -- whether or not things go into the public domain just because they're out of print. I google'd for "copyright duration" and found some interesting information at the US Copyright Office. As it turns out, old books that are out of print and old schematics don't fall into the public domain. It takes somewhere around 100 years (rough estimate) before a copyrighted work falls into the public domain.
From the US Copyright Office: U.S. Copyright Office - How Long Does Copyright Protection Last? (FAQ)
I guess that in the age of the Internet. other peoples' intellectual property gets stolen a lot more than I had thought. So I'm trying to atone for some of my previous misdeeds by buying a legitimate copy of Jack Darr's book. If he's still alive, I'm hoping that at least a buck or two of the cost will reach him in his retirement years.
I was wondering about the same thing -- whether or not things go into the public domain just because they're out of print. I google'd for "copyright duration" and found some interesting information at the US Copyright Office. As it turns out, old books that are out of print and old schematics don't fall into the public domain. It takes somewhere around 100 years (rough estimate) before a copyrighted work falls into the public domain.
From the US Copyright Office: U.S. Copyright Office - How Long Does Copyright Protection Last? (FAQ)
How long does a copyright last?
The term of copyright for a particular work depends on several factors, including whether it has been published, and, if so, the date of first publication. As a general rule, for works created after January 1, 1978, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years. For an anonymous work, a pseudonymous work, or a work made for hire, the copyright endures for a term of 95 years from the year of its first publication or a term of 120 years from the year of its creation, whichever expires first. For works first published prior to 1978, the term will vary depending on several factors. To determine the length of copyright protection for a particular work, consult chapter 3 of the Copyright Act (title 17 of the United States Code). More information on the term of copyright can be found in Circular 15a, Duration of Copyright, and Circular 1, Copyright Basics.
The term of copyright for a particular work depends on several factors, including whether it has been published, and, if so, the date of first publication. As a general rule, for works created after January 1, 1978, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years. For an anonymous work, a pseudonymous work, or a work made for hire, the copyright endures for a term of 95 years from the year of its first publication or a term of 120 years from the year of its creation, whichever expires first. For works first published prior to 1978, the term will vary depending on several factors. To determine the length of copyright protection for a particular work, consult chapter 3 of the Copyright Act (title 17 of the United States Code). More information on the term of copyright can be found in Circular 15a, Duration of Copyright, and Circular 1, Copyright Basics.
, but copyright Law considers heirs.
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