Most dictionaries have like 10 copyright dates because it's the same book printed over and over again until someone makes enough changes that they can call it ...Generally, for most works created after 1978, protection lasts for the life of the author monkey type plus 70 years. For anonymous works, pseudonymous works, or works made for hire, the copyright term is 95 years from the year of first publication or 120 years from creation, whichever comes first.What is the term of protection of copyright? The general rule is that copyright lasts for 60 years. In the case of original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works the 60-year period is counted from the year following the death of the author.