Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

A footer script can display the current calendar year, but it does not create, extend, or renew copyright. Use an automatic year only as a display choice: the year or range in a notice should accurately describe the work the notice covers, and a changing date should not imply that unchanged material was newly published or updated.

What an automatic copyright year does—and does not do

In a website footer, an automatic copyright year is a value generated from a date source, such as the visitor’s browser clock, the server, or a site build. It can save someone from changing the displayed number each January. It does not determine when a work was created or first published, and it does not change the work’s copyright status.

Copyright and a copyright notice are distinct. The U.S. Copyright Office says copyright protects original works once fixed in a tangible form; GOV.UK describes copyright as automatic and says there are no official formalities to acquire protection. See the U.S. Copyright Office’s overview and GOV.UK’s guidance on how copyright protects your work.

Should you use a fixed year, a range, or an automatic year?

Approach What it communicates Trade-off
Fixed year A particular year associated with the work or covered material. It may need deliberate review when the covered material changes; it does not advance by itself.
Year range A period associated with the covered work or material. The range should remain truthful and may need review as the material changes.
Automatically generated current year The current calendar year at the time the value is generated or displayed. It reduces annual maintenance, but may suggest recent publication or updating even when the covered material has not changed.

These are practical display choices, not a universal legal formula. For example, Google’s guidance for its own code notices says to use the file’s creation year and to retain the earliest year in an existing notice. That is company-specific guidance, not a rule for every website; see Google Copyright Notice Usage.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
  • Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
  • Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.

What U.S. law says about the year in a notice

Under 17 U.S.C. § 401, when a notice appears on visually perceptible copies of a work published in the context covered by that provision, the notice includes a copyright symbol or the word “Copyright,” the year of first publication, and the copyright owner’s name. The statute also requires placement that gives reasonable notice. Read the 2022 edition of 17 U.S.C. § 401.

This is a scoped statement about the statute’s specified published copies, not a blanket conclusion that every website footer is governed identically. The U.S. Copyright Office regulation identifies a year later than actual publication among historical notice defects and cautions that adequacy depends on the law in effect when the work was first published. See 37 CFR 202.2. For a particular site, work, or audience across jurisdictions, the right notice can depend on the facts and applicable law.

Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
  • 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
  • Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
  • 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

How to display the current year with JavaScript

If the goal is simply to show the current year in a footer, browser-side JavaScript can read the client’s calendar year. This example updates a dedicated element when the page runs; it changes only the displayed text.

<span id="footer-year"></span>
<script>
  document.getElementById("footer-year").textContent = new Date().getFullYear();
</script>

The value comes from the visitor’s device clock, so it is a display calculation—not evidence of a publication or update date. HTML alone does not calculate a changing calendar year. A site can instead generate the year on its server or during its build process; whichever method you choose, keep the meaning of the notice accurate.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

When to avoid an automatically advancing year

  • A new current year could make readers think the covered work was newly published or materially updated, although it was not.
  • The notice refers to a specific work or source file whose creation or first-publication year matters to your intended meaning.
  • You cannot confirm what material the footer notice covers or which date the displayed year is meant to represent.

When accuracy matters more than avoiding a yearly maintenance task, use a fixed year or a truthful range and review it when the relevant material changes. For legal wording or a site serving multiple jurisdictions, get advice specific to the content and locations involved.

Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.