How long does copyright last in the UK?
If you’re a creator, publisher, or business using creative content, understanding how long copyright lasts in the UK is essential. Copyright protects original works and ensures creators are rewarded for their intellectual property. But how long does that protection actually last?
In this guide, we break down UK copyright duration across different types of works, including books, music, films, broadcasts, and more. The key to determining the duration lies with identifying the creator, not the owner, of the copyright work.
Literary, Dramatic, Musical and Artistic Works
This is the most common form of copyright work and includes novels, scripts, songs, paintings, and photographs. Copyright lasts for 70 years after the death of the author. If this type of work has multiple authors (or joint authorship), copyright expires 70 years after the death of the last surviving author. In the case of anonymous or pseudonymous works, where the author is not identified, copyright lasts for 70 years from the date of publication. However, if the identity of the author becomes known, the duration of copyright reverts to 70 years after the death of the author.
Sound Recordings
Sound recordings, such as those made in a music studio, are protected separately from the musical compositions they may contain. Copyright in a sound recording lasts for 70 years from the end of the year in which it was first published. If a sound recording is not published within 50 years of being made, copyright lasts 70 years from when it was first made available to the public. This applies to studio albums, live recordings, and other forms of audio media.
Films
Films are complex because they typically involve multiple layers of copyright: the screenplay, the musical score, the visual footage, etc. However, UK law also recognises the film as a single work.
Copyright in a film lasts for 70 years after the death of the last of the following: principle director, screenwriter, author of the dialogue and composer of any original music created specifically for the film.
Therefore, for most modern films, UK copyright protection can easily extend well beyond 70 years from release.
Broadcasts
Broadcasts, such as TV or radio programmes, have their own copyright protection. Copyright lasts 50 years from the end of the year in which the broadcast took place. This shorter term reflects the ephemeral nature of broadcasting compared to more fixed media like books or films.
Typographical Arrangements of Published Editions
This protects the layout and design of published material, such as books, newspapers, and magazines, and not the underlying text or images. Copyright lasts for 25 years from the end of the year of first publication.
Crown Copyright
Works produced by UK government departments (such as laws, reports, or official guidance) are covered by a special category known as Crown Copyright. This typically lasts for 125 years from the end of the year in which the work was made, or 50 years from publication, whichever is shorter.
What Happens When Copyright Expires?
Once copyright expires, the work enters the public domain in the UK. This means anyone can use, reproduce, and adapt the work without needing permission or paying royalties. However, other legal protections (such as trademarks or moral rights) might still apply, depending on how the work is used.
Why Knowing Copyright Duration Matters
Whether you are a business owner, educator, or content creator, it’s crucial to know how long copyright lasts in the UK to avoid unintentional infringement. Using protected works without a licence can lead to legal disputes or financial penalties.
Conversely, knowing when a work is in the public domain in the UK can unlock valuable creative opportunities, especially in publishing, media, or digital content development.
Copyright law in the UK offers strong protections for creators, but those rights are not indefinite. Understanding the copyright lifespan in the UK helps you make informed, compliant decisions, whether you’re protecting your own intellectual property or using someone else’s work. If you’re unsure about whether a work is still protected or need help managing your copyright rights, it’s wise to speak to an intellectual property solicitor.
Make an Enquiry Now
For advice on whether a particular work is still under copyright protection, or whether you need permission to use it, call our expert intellectual property lawyers on 0131 478 4724 or complete an Online Enquiry.
We have helped hundreds of individuals and businesses.
Additional resources
- What is copyright?
- Does copyright protect original work from AI-generated content?
- Disney’s copyright in earliest Mickey and Minnie Mouse enter public domain
Please note the contents of this blog is given for information only and must not be relied upon. Legal advice should always be sought in relation to your specific circumstances.
