Musical Compositions Copyright Term For Works Published or First Registered in the U.S.

(Updated as of 2023)

• Before 1928:  public domain

• 1928-1977 (copyright not renewed):  public domain

• 1928-1977 (copyright renewed):  95 years after publication date

• 1978 and on (corporate authorship):  95 years after publication date or 120 years from creation, whichever expires first

• 1978 and on (not corporate authorship):  70 years after the death of author

Note:  See www.copyright.gov/what-is-copyright for details on variations of the above for works created before 1978 but published between 1978-2002. 

In Hymns of Praise (published by USGA in 2010), all of the copyrighted hymns at the time of publication are arranged as hymns 470-525 (56 hymns in total). As of 2023, the following hymns are in the public domain:

• In the public domain in the U.S.: 470, 473, 486, 488, 489, 492, 493, 494, 495

• In the public domain worldwide: 470, 486, 488, 489, 492, 494

Additionally, the International Assembly of the True Jesus Church has obtained worldwide licenses from the publishers of 473, 474, 493, 500, 506, 507, 510, 513, 520 for the following use of these hymns: 

1. Make copies, digital or physical, of lyrics for projection or display during congregational singing, and for church’s internal use in education, training and recording.

2. Project songs and lyrics (via PowerPoint or equivalent) on large-screens during worship services.

3. Stream worship services with songs and lyrics to church’s social media platforms.

4. Post live-recorded worship services on church’s social media platforms.

5. Livestream, record and upload church choirs to church’s social media platforms.

6. The above include derivative (custom arrangements and translations) works of the song, with the publisher retaining the copyright to any derivative works therein.

See copyright notices that must appear on each usage.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have also received permission from the copyright owner of 511 to be able to use, display, perform, stream and broadcast this hymn during our virtual services and any recordings of such services.

Fair Use

• Fair use of a copyrighted work for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright.

Note:  See www.copyright.gov/fair-use for a detailed explanation on fair use.