Final answer:
Michael Jackson's copyrights will last for the life of the author plus 70 years after his death, which extends his copyrights to the year 2079.
Step-by-step explanation:
The length of copyright protection for the works of Michael Jackson, who died in 2009, is guided by the U.S. Copyright laws. Specifically, since he was an individual and not a company or other entity, his works are protected for the duration of the life of the author plus 70 years.
Therefore, Michael Jackson's copyrights will last until 70 years after his death, as per the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act of 1998, which extended the copyright term from life of the author plus 50 years to life of the author plus 70 years. This act not only aimed to protect iconic characters like Mickey Mouse but also greatly impacted a large number of books, movies, songs, and other creative works.
In conclusion, the copyrights for Michael Jackson's works will expire 70 years after his death, which would be in the year 2079.