How long is the copyright valid?

The real copyright protection is valid during the life of the originator and up to 70 years after the date of the originator's dead. The copyright can be inherited under general and present rules covering this area, and a copyright cannot be taken in execution or any other enforcement proceedings. If more than one originator to the creation of the work exists the copyright can be maintained up to 70 years after the date of the longest living originator's death.

The period of protection for practicing artists is 50 years from the end of the year in which the presentation took place. The same period of protection applies for radio and television shows. The period of protection for databases is 15 years.

When the above periods of protection have expired there is, as mentioned earlier, still certain rights that in principle are everlasting, including protection of title, the ideal right of the originator and the protection of cultural interests.