software copywrites

[t92300]

does any one know the length of copy writes on computer software
as an example isnt the length for music 20 - 30 years

thanks

 

[CornMaster]

Software is the Authors life + 75 years I think.

 

[Padma]

I beileve it is the Author's life plus 70 years. (IIRC, it was "+50", but a change tacked on an addition 20 years).

 

[GenghisK]

Depens on which country, Corn. In France I think it's not as much as 75.
Nevertheless, the author can also publish an agreement, making his properties free again.

 

[MajorGeneral2]

I know U.S. patents last for 75 years. I'm not sure about copyrights, though.

 

[Richard III]

Originally posted by MajorGeneral2
I know U.S. patents last for 75 years. I'm not sure about copyrights, though.

No they don't. It's 17. Copyrights are life+ 75 for authors, and 95 for "corporate" authors.

 

[t92300]

my accounting teacher thought it was 5 I didn't think it was right

 

[MajorGeneral2]

17 years? Hey, that's not too far from 75, is it? Anyway, author's life +75 years seems too long. But, since nobody else seems to know for sure, let's stick with that.