Copyright Law

Here is a short summary of the changes that have occurred in Copyright Law in the United States since the country's formation in 1776.

1790 – First copyright bill (H.R. 10) is signed by President Washington, that protected books, maps and charts for 14 years, with option to renew for another 14 years
1831 – First revision of copyright included musical works, and extended term to 28 years, and kept the renewal term of 14 years
1870 – Second revision added works of art, started index of registered copyrights. Theatrical works and photography had been included also.
1897 – Copyright Office is opened within Library of Congress
1909 – Third revision heightened protection for authors, and extended renewal term to 28 years
1912 – Motion pictures are made into a specific category, instead of being registered as photographs
1953 – “Nondramatic literary works” – including novels, poetry and textbooks – are protected
1978 – Fourth revision enacted, protects registered works through author’s lifetime and for 50 years after death
1980 – Computer software is defined and protected
1990 – Architectural works are protected
1992 – Copyright renewal becomes optional, certain works are automatically renewed
10/27/1998 – Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extention Act, protection extended through author’s life and for 70 years after death
10/28/1998 – Digital Millennium Copyright Act, applies to Internet providers and users

2007 – United States Copyright Office maintains all things copyright

(Source: U.S. Library of Congress)