What happens to works that are older than 70 years and have never been published?

The assertion that works older than 70 years and never published are no longer covered by copyright law is based on the principle of public domain. Specifically, when a work has not been published and the author has passed away, the copyright duration typically expires 70 years after the author's death, placing the work in the public domain. This means that the work can be freely accessed and used by anyone without the need for permission or payment of royalties.

Once a work is in the public domain, it is no longer protected by copyright, allowing individuals and organizations the freedom to use, adapt, and share the work without legal constraints. This aspect encourages the sharing and development of cultural and educational content, as these older, unpublished works can often become valuable resources for research and creativity.

Understanding this concept emphasizes the importance of copyright duration and the criteria that determine when a work transitions to public domain, along with its implications for the use and distribution of creative works.