THREAD NAVIGATION: |
|
Displays all thread messages | Displays thread map | That to which this responds | This thread's lead message | Your most recent Tavern page |
It lasts at least 50 years 11/02/2004, 04:58:42 |
Software source is treated as a work of literature. The Berne Convention establishes a general and minimum period that lasts the life of the author and fifty years after his (or her) death. In the UK and Europe it has been extended to 70 years, and I believe the USA were considering doing the same. In the case of a work for hire, it can be as much as 120 years after creation, depending on circumstances. I think photographic material and musical score has a shorter copyright period, but I've had no reason to check into specifics. Whether material is available on the Internet is no indication of whether it is legal to download or redistibute it. Related link: U.S. Copyright Office |
|