Betty Boop & Nancy Drew Now Public Domain!

On January 1, 2026, a significant portion of cultural heritage, including beloved characters and classic films, has transitioned into the public domain. This landmark event means that works published in 1930, such as Agatha Christie's "The Murder at the Vicarage" and the debut of Nancy Drew in "The Secret of the Old Clock," are now freely available for public use. Early appearances of Betty Boop in "Dizzy Dishes" and initial Pluto cartoons also join this expanding list.

This transition allows creators worldwide to utilize these intellectual properties without copyright restrictions, thereby promoting further artistic and literary innovation. The public domain serves as fertile ground for new creations, building upon the foundations laid by these historic works. Notable films like "All Quiet on the Western Front" and musical compositions such as "Georgia on My Mind" are among the many pieces now accessible.

Under U.S. law, copyright protections are time-limited to encourage progress in the arts and sciences. Generally, works published before 1978 retain copyright for 95 years. While public domain status grants broad usage rights, creators must be mindful of newer iterations of characters and existing trademarks, as seen with Betty Boop, to avoid infringement.