Section 23 of CA, 1957 : Section 23: Term Of Copyright In Anonymous And Pseudonymous Works

Explanation using Example

Let's consider a hypothetical scenario where an anonymous author "X" publishes a novel in 1960. According to Section 23 (1) of The Copyright Act, 1957, the copyright for this novel will last until the end of 2020 (60 years from the year following the first publication). However, if the author reveals his identity in 1980, the copyright will then last until 60 years from the beginning of the year following the author's death.

Now, consider another scenario where a book is published in 1960 by two authors "Y" and "Z", both of whom remain anonymous. If "Y" discloses his identity in 1980 and dies in 1990, and "Z" discloses his identity in 2000 and dies in 2010, according to Section 23 (2)(b), the copyright will last until 2070 (60 years from the beginning of the year following the death of "Z", who was the last to die among the disclosed authors).

Finally, let's consider a case where a book is published in 1960 under the pseudonyms "A" and "B". If "A" discloses his identity in 1980 and dies in 1990, and "B" remains anonymous, according to Section 23 (3)(b), the copyright will last until 2050 (60 years from the beginning of the year following the death of "A", whose identity was disclosed).