Copyright Duration Calculator
Calculate when a work's copyright expires in India under the Copyright Act, 1957.
Based on the Copyright Act, 1957 (as amended). The year 60 years after the relevant event marks expiry.
Copyright duration rules in India
India's Copyright Act, 1957 sets different terms depending on the nature of the work and its authorship.
Literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works by a known author last for the lifetime of the author plus 60 years.
Works without a named author, government works, photographs, films, and sound recordings are protected for 60 years from the year of publication.
When two or more authors collaborate, the 60-year post-mortem period runs from the death of the last surviving author.
Frequently asked questions
When does copyright expire in India?
For works by a known author, copyright expires 60 years after the end of the calendar year in which the author dies. For anonymous works, government works, photographs, films and sound recordings, it expires 60 years from the end of the year of first publication.
Is registration required for copyright in India?
No. Copyright in India arises automatically upon creation of an original work. Registration with the Copyright Office is optional but provides a public record and is useful as evidence in disputes.
What happens when copyright expires?
Once copyright expires, the work enters the public domain and anyone can use, reproduce, translate, or adapt it without permission or payment of royalties. Classic examples include many works by Rabindranath Tagore (copyright expired long ago).
Does copyright apply to works published before 1957?
Yes. The Copyright Act, 1957 applies to works created before it came into force. The duration is calculated from the author's death or publication year as appropriate. Pre-independence government works are also covered.
Can copyright be extended or renewed in India?
No. Unlike the US system, Indian copyright does not have a renewal mechanism. The term is fixed by law and cannot be extended. Once expired, the work permanently enters the public domain.