Q: How long does ARR last after an artist’s death?
ARR lasts for 70 years after the death of the artist and then until the end of the calendar year in which they died.
Q: What happens in the case of joint works?
In the case of joint works, the ARR is divided according to the division of the work in question. If, for example, there were two creators who owned the work in equal shares, 50% of the ARR will pass to the beneficiary or beneficiaries of one creator, and 50% to the beneficiary or beneficiaries of the other creator.
Q: What happens if there are no beneficiaries?
If it is possible to prove that there are no beneficiaries of an artist’s estate, the ARR may pass to the Crown as bona vacantia (ownerless goods).
If the artist has beneficiaries that are not eligible then the right may be held but not exercised. Should the beneficiaries or their successors become eligible, the right may be exercised provided the works are still in copyright.
