Define: Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act

The Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act is a U.S. law that extended the duration of copyright protection for works created by individuals or corporations. It was enacted in 1998 and extended the copyright term by an additional 20 years.

Prior to the Act, copyright protection lasted for the life of the author plus 50 years. With the Act, the duration was extended to the life of the author plus 70 years for individual authors, and 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation for corporate works.

Yes, the Act applies to all copyrighted works, including literary, musical, artistic, and other creative works. It covers both published and unpublished works.

Yes, the Act has faced legal challenges in the past. However, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld its constitutionality in the landmark case Eldred v. Ashcroft in 2003.

Yes, the Act applies retroactively to existing works. It extended the copyright term for works that were still under copyright protection at the time of its enactment.

Yes, like any other law, the Act can be repealed or amended by Congress. However, it remains in effect unless and until such changes are made.

No, the Act does not directly affect fair use rights. Fair use is a separate legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright owner.

The Act effectively delayed the entry of works into the public domain by extending the copyright term. Works that would have entered the public domain are now protected for a longer period.

The Act does not apply to works created by the U.S. government, which are generally not subject to copyright protection. Additionally, certain works may have specific exemptions or limitations under other laws.

The Act brought the U.S. copyright term in line with international standards set by the Berne Convention and other international copyright agreements. This helps ensure consistency and reciprocity in copyright protection across different countries.