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In ordinary words.
A work may stay under copyright for decades after its creator dies.
In legal terms.
For many modern individual works, protection lasts life plus 70 years; certain works made for hire are protected for 95 years from publication or 120 from creation, whichever is shorter.
Where it stops being legal.
Fair use, licenses, exceptions and public-domain status still affect what others can do.
General U.S.-focused information. Cases and statutes may have jurisdiction-specific exceptions. This citation may be a general primer; verify the governing primary authority. Not legal advice.