Chapter V - Term of Copyright
Section 27
Section 27: Term of copyright in sound recordings
Section 27 bases the sound-recording copyright term on publication of the recording.
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Need advice on Section 27?
This article is for general information. Refer to the Copyright Act, 1957 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.
Statutory text
Bare law
In the case of a sound recording copyright shall subsist until sixty years from the beginning of the calendar year next following the year in which the sound recording is published.
Applicability and limits
Identify the particular master recording and its publication year; each different recording may require its own evidence.
A sound recording and the musical or literary works embodied in it are distinct rights. This section does not calculate every underlying work’s term.
Hypothetical example
Hypothetical: a master recording is published in 2024. Its section 27 sixty-year period begins on 1 January 2025, subject to verification of the publication fact.
Practical steps and evidence
Identify the exact master recording.
Keep release, catalogue and distribution records establishing publication.
Check underlying composition and lyric rights before reuse.
Practical checklist
Do
- Identify the exact master recording.
- Keep release, catalogue and distribution records establishing publication.
- Check underlying composition and lyric rights before reuse.
Avoid
- A sound recording and the musical or literary works embodied in it are distinct rights. This section does not calculate every underlying work’s term.
Glossary
- Sound recording
- The recorded subject matter covered by section 27.
- Underlying work
- A composition or other work embodied in a recording that may have separate copyright.
Frequently asked questions
Which date begins the calculation?
The start of the calendar year following the year in which the recording is published.
Is the song composition necessarily on the same clock?
No. Section 27 addresses the sound recording; underlying works need separate assessment.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026