How long does copyright protection last for works made for hire if the author did not receive public credit?

Copyright protection for works made for hire is indeed 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever comes first. This duration is established under the U.S. Copyright Act, which specifies that such works are treated differently than personal works when it comes to the length of copyright protection.

In the case of works made for hire, the authorship is attributed to the employer or the party that commissioned the work, rather than the individual creator. So, even if the actual creator did not receive public credit, the copyright is held by the employer or commissioning party. The extended protection period reflects the recognition that these works often have substantial value and were created under a professional capacity.

The other options differ significantly in their implications about copyright duration. For example, the 70 years option primarily applies to works by individual authors where the copyright is held by the creator. The 50 years from creation is also more aligned with other specific circumstances, often related to different categories of works. Lastly, the idea that copyright lasts indefinitely is incorrect and contradicts the established legislative framework, as all works eventually enter the public domain after the term expires.