Photographs taken on or after 1 January 1996

Photographs have the same term of protection as all other artistic works. Therefore, the term of protection is generally life of the author (generally the photographer) plus 70 years from the end of the calendar year in which the author dies.

Unknown Authorship

If, however, the photograph is of unknown authorship, the copyright term is:

• 70 years from the end of the calendar year in which the photograph was made (i.e. taken); or,
• 70 years from the end of the calendar year in which the photograph is made available to the public if this happens during the period of 70 years from making.

It is important to note, though, that if at any point during this period the identity of the author becomes known, the duration of protection will then be the life of the author plus 70 year term.

Where a photograph is taken jointly by two or more people, the copyright term is calculated from the death of the last to die or the last known author to die.

Where the photograph has its origin outside the UK or another country of the EEA, the term of protection may also be shorter if it is shorter in the country of origin.