Changes in copyright life on song publications

The U.S. Congress has had laws pertaining to copyrights held by songwriters, composers, arrangers and performers for a long time and periodically have found it to be in the best interests of some to amend them.

Until recently, these were the current laws:

1. Songs were copyrighted before 1950 for an initial period of 28 years. The original copyright could then be renewed for an additional 47 years for a total term of 75 years. Since the date within the original copyright year is not known, the song becomes public domain on Jan. 1 of the 76th year.

2. Songs copyright Jan. 1, 1950, and later have the initial period of 28 years and must be renewed to be protected for the additional 47-year term.

3. Songs copyrighted on or after Jan. 1, 1978, are protected for the life of the author plus 50 years.

On Oct. 27, 1998, the Sonny Bono Copyright Extension Act was signed into law. This law amends the above by increasing the 47 in both items No. 1 and 2 and the 50 in No. 3, all by 20 years. It did not restore copyright protection to any works that had become public domain in a previous year.

So, songs originally copyrighted in 1922 had become public domain Jan. 1, 1998.

Songs originally copyrighted in 1923 will become public domain on Jan. 1, 2019.

Any further questions should be sent to Tom Barr, librarian, in the Old Songs Library, Kenosha, Wisconsin. Call 800-876-7464.