When a work's copyright expires, it enters the public domain. The following is a list of creators whose works entered the public domain in 2026 under common copyright regimes. Since laws vary globally, …

Jan 1, 2026 · 1000’s of works are entering the public domain New Year’s Day 2026. They include Betty Boop, and the first stories for three detectives: Nancy Drew, Miss Marple, and Sam Spade.

Dec 26, 2025 · Under U.S. law, the copyright on thousands of creations from 1930 — including films, books, musical compositions and more — will expire at the stroke of midnight on Jan. 1, 2026, …

At the start of each year, on January 1st, a new crop of works enter the public domain. Find our highlights of what lies in store for 2026 here.

Dec 31, 2025 · The public domain class of 2026, as covered in a lengthy and info-dense post from Duke University’s Center for the Study of the Public Domain, features an impressive range of books,...

Jan 2, 2026 · Thousands of works from 1930 are now in the public domain for anyone's use, including original, recognizable figures such as Betty Boop and Pluto.

Here are the significant books, films and characters joining the list of works in the public domain on Jan. 1, 2026.

Jan 1, 2026 · Montage of materials entering the public domain in 2026, created by Duke Law’s Center for the Study of the Public Domain. Celebrate the public domain with the Internet Archive in the …

Jan 1, 2026 · 2026 is here and so are thousands of classic works entering the public domain. From Betty Boop to Nancy Drew, see what is now free to use.

Dec 30, 2025 · It will officially belong to all of us. Under U.S. copyright law, works published in 1930 will officially enter the public domain, meaning anyone can copy, remix, adapt, preserve, and generally...