The duration of copyright in Hong Kong depends on the type of copyright work.
For the specific copyright works described below, the duration of copyright is as follows:
Type of copyright work | When copyright usually expires |
---|---|
Literary, dramatic and musical works, including computer programs, databases, the text of a marketing plan or business plan, annual reports, operational manuals, technical specifications, letters and emails etc. | 50 years after the death of the author For computer-generated works, 50 years after the work was made. |
Artistic works including paintings and photographs | 50 years after the death of the author |
Sound recordings | 50 years after it is made or (if released) its release |
Films |
50 years after the death of the last to die of the following persons:
|
Broadcasts and cable programmes | 50 years after the broadcast was made or the programme was included in a cable programme service |
Typographical arrangements of published editions | 25 years after its first publication |
Works made by an officer of the Government in the course of his duties | 125 years after it was made (if published commercially within 75 years after it was made) or 50 years after it was first so published |