Photo by Federico Di Dio photography on Unsplash
Welcome to the exciting world of public domain works! As we step into a new year, thousands of copyrighted creations from 1929 are now free to reuse and repurpose in the US. This means that iconic characters like Popeye and Tintin, as well as literary masterpieces by Agatha Christie and Virginia Woolf, can be used and reimagined in various forms of media without worrying about copyright restrictions.
A New Year for Public Domain Works
The list of works entering the public domain this year is a veritable treasure trove of cinematic, literary, and artistic masterpieces. From the earliest versions of Popeye and Tintin to sound recordings from 1924, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Duke Law School’s Center for the Study of Public Domain has compiled an exhaustive list of these iconic works, which includes:
- The Skeleton Dance
- Alfred Hitchcock’s Blackmail
- Nacio Herb Brown’s Singin’ in the Rain
- On With the Show, the first all-talking feature-length film in color
- William Faulkner’s works
- Virginia Woolf’s novels
- Agatha Christie’s The Seven Dials Mystery
One notable aspect of this public domain list is the inclusion of Popeye, which marks a significant milestone in the character’s history. According to Jennifer Jenkins, director of Duke’s Center for the Study of Public Domain, “Everything that he says, all of his characteristics, his personality, his sarcasm… that’s public domain.” However, it’s worth noting that the spinach-fueled strength of Popeye won’t be entering the public domain just yet – that particular aspect of the character developed later.
The young reporter Tintin and his trusty pup Snowy (or “Milou” for our French friends) are also heading into the public domain, courtesy of Hergé’s iconic comic strip series. While fans in the European Union will have to wait until 2054 to enjoy copyright-free Tintin, those in the US can start exploring new creative possibilities with this beloved character.
As we celebrate the entry of these classic characters and works into the public domain, it’s essential to remember that this didn’t have to be the case. US lawmakers extended copyright protections in 1998, conveniently safeguarding Disney’s Mickey Mouse. However, even the iconic mouse couldn’t keep its exclusivity forever – Steamboat Willie-era Mickey entered the public domain last year, and we can expect even more Mickey Mouse animations in 2025.
Photo by Artem Maltsev on Unsplash
The Future of Public Domain Works
As we look ahead to next year’s public domain works, it’s clear that the possibilities are endless. With Betty Boop and Pluto set to enter the public domain in 2026, fans can expect an even wider range of classic characters to inspire new creations. Netflix is already preparing an adaptation of Agatha Christie’s 1929 novel The Seven Dials Mystery, which will undoubtedly be just one of many projects leveraging these iconic works.
As we step into this exciting era of public domain works, it’s crucial to remember that creativity knows no bounds. With characters like Popeye and Tintin at our disposal, the future is bright – and full of endless possibilities for innovation and artistic expression.
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