These notable works are officially in the public domain as 2026 arrives

Here are the significant books, films and characters joining the list of works in the public domain on Jan. 1, 2026.
NPR

The cultural works becoming public domain in 2026, from Betty Boop to Nancy Drew

A new year means a new parade of classic characters and works entering the public domain. Under U.S. law, the copyright on thousands of creations from 1930 — including films, books, musical ...

What's come into the public domain in 2026? And why does it matter?

What do "I Got Rhythm," "The Maltese Falcon," and "The Little Engine That Could" have in common? They all went into the ...
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Here are the cartoons, movies, songs and books entering the public domain for 2026

Betty Boop and “Blondie” are joining Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh in the public domain. The first appearances of the classic cartoon and comic characters are among the pieces of intellectual ...