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When does a copyrighted work enter the public domain?

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A copyrighted work enters the public domain when its period of legal protection expires, meaning the work is no longer subject to copyright and is free for anyone to use, adapt, or distribute.1

The duration of this protection varies by country and the type of work. Under the international standard established by the Berne Convention, the minimum term is the life of the creator plus 50 years. However, many nations have extended these terms; in the United States, the general term is the life of the author plus 70 years. For anonymous works, pseudonymous works, or works made for hire, the term is typically 95 years from first publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter.12

Additionally, some works are born into the public domain if they are ineligible for copyright, such as mathematical formulas or certain government documents. Creators may also choose to dedicate their work to the public domain voluntarily, such as through Creative Commons tools.13