How long does UK recording copyright last from release?

How long does UK recording copyright last from release?

• A. 95 years from release.
• B. Life of the songwriter plus 70 years.
• C. 120 years from creation.
• D. 70 years from release.

Answer: (D)

In the UK, the protection for a sound recording lasts 70 years from the end of the year when the recording was first published (released). This fixed calendar term means the copyright on the actual recording expires after that 70-year window, regardless of the performers’ or producers’ lifespans. The underlying musical work may have its own separate term (often life of the author plus 70 years), but the recording itself follows this 70-year-from-release rule. The other options don’t fit because they reflect terms for different kinds of works (such as the duration for films or the musical work itself, which isn’t the recording) rather than the sound recording.

In the UK, the protection for a sound recording lasts 70 years from the end of the year when the recording was first published (released). This fixed calendar term means the copyright on the actual recording expires after that 70-year window, regardless of the performers’ or producers’ lifespans. The underlying musical work may have its own separate term (often life of the author plus 70 years), but the recording itself follows this 70-year-from-release rule. The other options don’t fit because they reflect terms for different kinds of works (such as the duration for films or the musical work itself, which isn’t the recording) rather than the sound recording.