What's moving into the public domain in 2026?
4 months ago
- #public domain
- #copyright
- #cultural heritage
- Creative works from 1930 and sound recordings from 1925 enter the public domain in the U.S. on January 1, 2026.
- Notable works include Betty Boop's debut, Pluto's first appearance, 'All Quiet on the Western Front,' and classic songs like 'Georgia on My Mind.'
- Duke Law's Center for the Study of the Public Domain publishes a full list of public domain entries for 2026.
- A Public Domain Film Remix Contest invites filmmakers to create short films using newly liberated works, with prizes up to $1,500.
- A virtual celebration on January 21, 2026, will explore newly freed detective stories like Nancy Drew and Miss Marple.
- An in-person event at the Internet Archive on January 21, 2026, will premiere winning films from the contest and celebrate public domain culture.