copyright act of 1976
Copyright Act of 1976. A major revision of U.S. copyright law, extending the term of protection to the life of the author plus 50 years, measured from the date of creation; greatly expanding the types of works that qualify for protection; dropping the requirement that the work be published before it can be protected; making fair use a statutory defense to a claim in infringement; and preempting state common-law copyright.17 USCA §§ 101 et seq. • This is the current federal statute that governs copyright registrations and rights. — Also termed 1976 Copyright Act.
