Public domain works are books, screenplays, art, and movies whose copyrights have expired. These items are typically 70-75 years old or older, but it isn’t that simple. Some works, like movies, may have newer versions or soundtracks. The older version of the movie may be in the public domain, but the updated work is not. Also, copyrights must be renewed periodically. If the copyright is not renewed its copyright might enter the public domain before the time is up. An interesting case of copyright is the Night of the Living Dead. The makers of the movie forgot to put the copyright mark on the film, so it has always been in the public domain. It gets even trickier with characters. Mickey Mouse will soon be in the public domain. Not the familiar one we know today, but the original that debuted in 1928, unless Disney’s lawyers successfully sue to retain the rights.
Edit: A new batch of works have entered the Public Domain in 2025 including more mickey mouse shorts, the first version of Popeye (Olive Oyl is an older character so she has been in the public domain for few years). Other great movies that entered the public domain are The Coconuts, the Marx Brothers first sound picture, Spite Marriage Buster Keaton’s last silent fil, and Blackmail Alfred Hitchcock’s first sound picture. Songs that can record with royalties include Ain’s Misbehaving Fat Waller’s classic, Happy Days are Hear again Franklin Delano Roosevelt campaign song, and the classic Singin’ in the Rain. Note Gene Kelly’s version of Singin’ in the Rain from the movie of the same name is not in public Domain.
Click here for a news story on this year's public domain entries Cbs News video
Here are the new movies from the public domain, click the tab above to see and read the books.
