Public Domain

Copyright in a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work does not last indefinitely and will ultimately expire and enter the public domain. Copyright 'lifetime' in different works varies, for example:

• Song Words - copyright lasts until 70 years after the death of the author.
• Song Books - commercially available songbooks carry a 25 year typography right protecting the printed page. If both the song and song book are in public domain no further permission is needed for reproduction copyright lasts until 70 years after the death of the author. 
• Films - the duration of copyright is 70 years after the death of the last to survive of the principal director, the authors of the screenplay and dialogue, and the composer of any music specially created for the film.
• Sound Recording, broadcasts and cable programmes - works are protected for 50 years.
• Published Editions - works are protected for 25 years.

Once a piece of work enters public domain it may be performed, copied or recorded without permission and without charge.