Term of copyright in published literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works
Section 22 of the Copyright Act, 1957 deals with term of copyright in published literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works. Except as otherwise hereinafter provided, copyright shall subsist in any literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work published within the lifetime of the author until [sixty years] from the beginning of the calendar year next following the year in which the author dies. The Act came into force on 21 Jan 1958.
Except as otherwise hereinafter provided, copyright shall subsist in any literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work 1*** published within the lifetime of the author until 2[sixty years] from the beginning of the calendar year next following the year in which the author dies.
Explanation.--In this section the reference to the author shall, in the case of a work of joint authorship, be construed as a reference to the author who dies last.
Section 22, The Copyright Act, 1957 (Act 14 of 1957).
Questions about Section 22
What does Section 22 of the Copyright Act deal with?
Section 22 of the Copyright Act is headed "Term of copyright in published literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works". Except as otherwise hereinafter provided, copyright shall subsist in any literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work published within the lifetime of the author until [sixty years] from the beginning of the calendar year next following the year in which the author dies.
How do I find court cases under Section 22 of the Copyright Act?
In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: Copyright Act 22, section 22 Copyright Act, section 22 of the Copyright Act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.
When did Section 22 of the Copyright Act come into force?
Section 22 of the Copyright Act, cited as Copyright Act 22, came into force on 21 Jan 1958, having been enacted on 04 Jun 1957. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.
Other sections of this Act
Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 15 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.