On January 1, 2026, a significant collection of creative works officially entered the public domain in the United States. Copyright protections have expired for literature, films, and music published in 1930, as well as sound recordings from 1925. These cultural artefacts are now free for the public to use and build upon without permission.

This year’s release includes the earliest versions of globally recognised characters, joining recent entries like Popeye, Mickey Mouse, and "Steamboat Willie". However, there are important distinctions regarding which versions are free to use.

Notable Characters and Works

The 2026 lineup features the debuts of iconic figures in mystery, animation, and comics:

• Betty Boop: The original iteration of the character, as she appeared in the Fleischer Studios cartoon Dizzy Dishes, is now in the public domain.

• Nancy Drew: The teen detective makes her public domain debut with The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene, along with three other follow-up books from 1930.

• Pluto: Disney’s famous dog appears in his earliest forms before he was fully evolved in the films The Chain Gang and The Picnic.

• Miss Marple: Agatha Christie’s elderly amateur detective appears in her first novel, The Murder at the Vicarage.

• Blondie: The first four months of Chic Young’s Blondie comic strips, featuring the early versions of Blondie and her boyfriend Dagwood, are now available.

Classic Films and Music

Cinema history from 1930 is also unlocked, including:

• "All Quiet on the Western Front" is an Academy Award-winning Best Picture, directed by Lewis Milestone.

• "Animal Crackers" starring the Marx Brothers.

• "The Big Trail", featuring John Wayne in his first leading role.

• "King of Jazz", marking Bing Crosby’s first feature film appearance.

  
  

Musically, the compositions for timeless standards have entered the public domain, including "Georgia on My Mind" by Hoagy Carmichael/Stuart Gorrell, "I Got Rhythm" by George and Ira Gershwin, and "Dream a Little Dream of Me". In the art world, Piet Mondrian’s "Composition with Red, Blue, and Yellow" is now free to use.

A Note on Copyright and Trademarks

While these 1930 works are now free, legal protections still apply to later versions. For example, while the 1930 Betty Boop is public domain, her modern design remains under copyright. Additionally, characters are often subject to trademarks, which can complicate their use in new commercial projects.

Looking Ahead to 2027

The cycle will continue next year. In 2027, copyright protections are set to expire for 1931 classics, including the films "Frankenstein", "Dracula", and Charlie Chaplin’s "City Lights".