> I'm curious, where are these laws?

A copyright is given to any author of an artistic production, as governed by the Copyright Act of 1976 as amended (17 U.S.C. Sections 101 et seq.). The copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 50 years. Those who infinge copyrights may be liable for damage or criminal penalties.

Hope that answers your question.

Edit: Sorry, it's 70 years after the death of the author, not 50.