How long does copyright protection last for an individual creator?

Copyright protection for an individual creator typically lasts for 70 years after the creator's death. This duration is established by copyright law in many jurisdictions, including the United States, where the Copyright Act specifies that the rights granted to a work endure not just while the creator is alive but extend for 70 years following their passing. This period allows creators and their heirs to benefit financially from their work, which encourages artistic and cultural development by providing a financial incentive to create.

The specifics of copyright durations can vary, but the 70-year post-mortem protection is widely recognized and serves a critical role in ensuring that creators or their estates can exploit their works commercially long after the creator's life. This extended period helps to encourage creativity and can also promote the preservation of works as they enter the public domain after this time frame.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the commonly accepted duration for copyright protection in the context of individual creators. For instance, protection lasting 50 years after creation may relate to certain circumstances, but it does not apply specifically to individual creators under current copyright laws. Similarly, 95 years after registration pertains to corporate authorship rather than individual works, and the idea of copyright lasting forever with renewals is not consistent with how copyright