Journalistic standard. Typically, anything over 15-20 years is considered fair game; even earlier than that, eminent public interest can trump everything else (

Journalistic standard. Typically, anything over 15-20 years is considered fair game; even earlier than that, eminent public interest can trump everything else (depending on state legislation and circumstance), but when it's so old there is basically zero chance that anyone will contest reporting on the basis of commercial sensitivity and win in court. Note this applies to news organizations. Individuals under private agreements (NDA) are a different matter.