It is finally that time of year when we celebrate the new wave of creative works entering the public domain, becoming free for anyone to use, adapt, and share.

In the UK, copyright generally lasts for 70 years after the creator’s death, so works by those who died in 1955 are now open for all. We also tend to get a number of slasher movies coming our way with characters which are no longer protected, or I should clarify, early versions of characters.

It is important to note that due to the territoriality of copyright, material can enter the public domain in one country however still be protected in another country.

• Works by creators who died in 1955 in countries with a copyright term of life plus 70 years (such as the UK, Russia, and most of Europe and South America).
• Works by creators who died in 1975 in countries applying a life plus 50 years term (including New Zealand and much of Africa and Asia).
• Films and books published in 1930 (including any featured artworks) for the United States.

Why Does This Matter?

Public domain status means these works can be digitized, remixed, and incorporated into new projects without seeking permission or paying fees. It’s a celebration of cultural heritage and creative freedom. Please be aware that public domain does not refer to the world wide web, although that is used often, public domain are works to which copyright has either expired or relinquished.

Literary Giants

One of the most significant authors joining the public domain is Thomas Mann, the German novelist behind Buddenbrooks and Doctor Faustus. His writing is celebrated for its rich symbolism and deep psychological insight into artists and intellectuals.

Other notable names include:

• Léon Werth (France)
• Guido Battelli (Italy)
• Clemence Housman (UK)
• James Agee (A Death in the Family, USA)
• Dale Carnegie (How to Win Friends and Influence People, USA)
• Nat Schachner, author of Space Lawyer (USA)

Poetry lovers can rediscover works by Wallace Stevens and Paul Claudel, now free for adaptation.

Music and Performing Arts

Compositions entering the public domain include:

• Arthur Honegger (Switzerland)
• Francesco Balilla Pratella (Italy)
• James P. Johnson, the jazz pioneer behind the “Charleston” (USA)

Film history also benefits, with works by director Lloyd Bacon and screenwriters William C. deMille and Robert Riskin now open for reuse.

Visual Arts

Art enthusiasts can explore creations by French artists Yves Tanguy and Fernand Léger, whose works shaped modern art movements.

Philosophy and Science

Philosophical writings by José Ortega y Gasset enter the public domain in most European countries (except Spain). Additionally, publications by influential thinkers such as:

• Albert Einstein (physics)
• Dr. Alexander Fleming (medicine)
• Hermann Weyl (mathematics)
• Herbert Stanley Jevons (economics)

These works are now free to be modified, adapted and used in a commercial way.

Across the Pond

In the US we have some more goodies entering the public domain. The debut of Nancy Drew the fictional teen detective, a response to the Hardy Boys, The Secret of the Old Clock which is the first volume in the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories entered the public domain on the 1^st of Jan 2026. I guess these types of stories can be compared to The Famous Five in the UK or Cireșarii(The Cherrys I guess) cires in Romanian is cherry tree. Anyway, the book tells the story of 7 teenage friends who have many adventures together.

When it comes to characters, we welcome Betty Boop (the first iteration, the newer ones are still protected under copyright and most likely trademarks) as well as the first appearance of Pluto when he was still an unnamed bloodhound in the 1930s The Chain Gang. There are many more creative works entering the US public domain, Agatha Christie’s Murder at the Vicarage, which features the first appearance of Jane Marple.  Please be aware that these only apply to the US, and not the UK.

Public Domain Day 2026 Montage by S Dudley, shared under a CC BY 4.0

What Can You Do With Public Domain Works?

• Create new adaptations – films, plays, or modern retellings
• Digitize and share – make classics accessible online
• Incorporate into teaching – free resources for education
• Design merchandise – art prints, themed products

Celebrate the Commons

Public Domain Day reminds us that creativity builds on the past. By respecting copyright during its term and embracing the public domain when it expires, we keep culture alive and evolving.

Happy Public Domain Day!

The information contained in this blog post should be taken as recommended advice or guidance but should not be taken as legal advice. If in any doubt, please seek proper legal advice.