Copyright law covers literary works, dramatic works, music, art, typographical arrangement, sound recordings and film. These works are covered under the use of broadcast and public performance, copying, adapting, issuing, renting and lending copies to the public.
Eventually copyright expires if it is not renewed. The duration it takes for copyright to expire varies depending on the item:
Literary, dramatic, musical, film or artistic works - 70 years after the last remaining author dies.
Sound Recordings and broadcasts - 50 years after the last remaining author dies.
Typographical arrangement - 25 years after the date of its first publication.
In some cases copyrighted material can be used by 3rd parties, this is known as 'Fair Use'. the factors for fair use to consider are as follows:
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- the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
- the nature of the copyrighted work;
- the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and
- the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work."