• The “Copyright Renewal Act of 1992” automatically extends the copyright term of copyrighted works in their first term as of January 1, 1978. For many years, copyright protection lasted for a term of 28 years. This term could be renewed for an additional 28 years if the copyright owner applied for renewal during the 28th year of protection. The Copyright Act of 1976 (which took effect on January 1, 1978) changed copyright terms dramatically. For works created on or after January 1, 1978, copyright generally lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 50 years. Works in their second 28-year copyright term as of January 1, 1978 were automatically extended for an additional 19 years (for a total copyright term of 75 years). the copyright in works in their first 28-year copyright term as of January 1, 1978 could be renewed for an additional 47 years if application was made during the 28th year of the first term. The new law addresses this latter category of works (those in their first 28-year copyright term as of January 1, 1978). The new law automatically extends the copyright term of these works for an additional 47 years (for a total copyright term of 75 years). Copyright owners will not be required to renew their copyright during the 28th year of the first term. The new law does permit the voluntary registration of renewal claims, and provides various incentives to encourage copyright owners to register the renewal of their copyrights.

See Also: Duration of Copyright Protection

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