Public Domain Dedication Rules

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Summary

In the United States, copyright is automatic upon creation and lasts for the authors lifetime plus 70 years. You cannot pre-schedule a work to enter the public domain after a specific period. However, you can voluntarily relinquish your copyright and dedicate your work to the public domain at any time. To relinquish copyright after publication, make a public statement, include a notice in the work, and optionally file a document with the US Copyright Office.

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Is it possible to publish a work in the US and have it be dedicated to the public domain on a specific date 14 years after the publication? Perhaps by putting the dedication to the public domain and waiver of rights after the copyright notice?
Hello Ed,
In the United States, copyright is automatic upon creation of the work and lasts for the author's lifetime plus 70 years. You cannot pre-schedule a work to enter the public domain after a specific period. However, you can voluntarily relinquish your copyright and dedicate your work to the public domain at any time.
When I publish a work can I state that I voluntarily relinquish copyright and dedicate it to the public domain effective as of January * *?
Hello Ed,
In the US, it's not possible to schedule a release of copyright into the public domain at a future date. You can, however, release it immediately upon decision. To clarify:
- Copyright is automatic upon creation.
- It lasts for the author's life plus 70 years.
- You can relinquish your copyright at any time, but not schedule it for the future.
How would I be able to relinquish copyright after my work is published
In the US, to relinquish copyright after publication:
- Make a public statement that you're relinquishing your copyright.
- Include a notice in the work stating that it's in the public domain.
- You may also want to file a document with the US Copyright Office, although this isn't required.