Does anyone know how I can find out when a novel will come into the public domain?

[wilbur]

I'm trying to find out the public domain status of a book that was first published in 1960 and the author also died in 1960. I know the minimum copyright expires after 50 years, but I think there have been some changes to this recently and that some author's Estates have a longer period of control.

Any suggestions where I should look? Have tried googling, but haven't got a definitive answer.

[shonaspurtle]

You could try phoning the Copyright Licensing Agency.

They're responsible for collecting fees on behalf of copyright owners of books etc but they would presumably know this sort of thing.

There's a number on their website if the info isn't there.

[wilbur]

Oh, thank you Shona! I have been searching every combination of copyright related words I could think of, but hadn't seen that one. Brill, will give them a shout.