5 Facts About Copyright Term Extension Act

1. In 1908, the Berlin Copyright Term Extension Act set the duration of copyright at life of the author plus 50 years, expanded the scope of the act to include newer technologies, and prohibited formalities as a prerequisite of copyright protection.

2. Thus, the 1976 Copyright Term Extension Act broadened the scope of federal statutory copyright protection from "published" works to works that are "fixed".

3. In 1998, the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act amended section 304 by substituting "67" for "47" wherever it appeared in subsection, by substituting a new subsection (b), and by adding subsection (d) at the end thereof.

4. In 1998, the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act amended section 303 by substituting "December 31, 2047" for "December 31, 2027.

5. In 1998, the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act amended section 301 by changing "February 15, 2047" to "February 15, 2067" each place it appeared in subsection.