Question

The Copyright Act, 1957 protects original works for the lifetime of the author plus

• A. 50 years
• B. 60 years
• C. 70 years
• D. 100 years

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 60 years

• Legal Framework: The Copyright Act, 1957 serves as the primary legislation governing copyright protection in India.

• Duration of Protection: For literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works published within the lifetime of the author, the term of copyright subsists for the lifetime of the author plus 60 years after their death.

• Calculation Commencement: The 60-year period is calculated from the beginning of the calendar year following the year in which the author dies.

• Posthumous Works: For works published posthumously, the term of 60 years commences from the beginning of the calendar year following the year in which the work is first published.

• Cinematograph Films and Sound Recordings: Under Section 26 and Section 27, copyright in cinematograph films and sound recordings lasts for 60 years from the beginning of the calendar year following the year in which the work is published.

• Photographs: Similarly, for photographs, the protection lasts for 60 years from the beginning of the calendar year following the year of publication.

• Government Works: Where the government is the first owner of the copyright, the protection lasts for 60 years from the beginning of the calendar year following the year in which the work is first published.

• International Standards: The 60-year term aligns with the Berne Convention standards, which suggest a minimum term of protection of the life of the author plus 50 years; India opted for a more extensive 60-year protection period.