How long are copyrights valid?
January 30, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Alice Falk
Dear lawyer,
My name is Verena Richter and I have a question regarding copyright. I am a hobby photographer and a few years ago I took some pictures that are very dear to me. Now I have heard that copyright is not unlimited and I am worried about whether my pictures are still protected.
The pictures I took are very important to me and I want to make sure that no one uses them without my permission. I have read that copyright usually lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 70 years, but I am not sure if that applies to my situation. I am wondering if my pictures are still protected or if I need to do something to extend the protection.
Could you please explain to me how long copyright lasts and whether my pictures are still protected? Are there possible solutions to extend or renew the protection of my pictures? I want to ensure that my creative works are protected and I am grateful for your help and advice on this matter.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Verena Richter
Dear Mrs. Richter,
Thank you for your question regarding copyright. As a lawyer specializing in copyright law, I can understand your concern and will gladly provide you with all the information you need to ensure that your images are adequately protected.
In general, copyright usually lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 70 years. This means that your images will still be protected after your death and cannot be used without your permission. It is important to note that this duration may vary in some countries, but in Germany, it is typically 70 years after the author's death.
Since you have taken the pictures yourself, you are automatically the author and therefore enjoy copyright protection. Your images are therefore still protected as long as you are alive and for another 70 years after your death. Therefore, no further action is necessary to extend or renew the protection.
However, it is advisable to include a copyright notice on your images to signal to others that you are the author and that use without your permission is not allowed. For example, you can place a watermark on your images or include a notice on your website or social media platforms.
If you find that someone is using your images without permission, you can take legal action to enforce your copyright and claim damages. It is important that you know your rights as the author and how to effectively defend them.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions or need legal assistance, I am at your disposal.
Sincerely,
Alice Falk, Copyright Lawyer
