The last works to enter the public domain were those published in 1928, which became freely available for public use in the United States on January 1, 2024. This annual event, known as Public Domain Day, saw a significant collection of creative works become available for anyone to use, adapt, and build upon without needing permission from the original creators or copyright holders.
Understanding Public Domain Day
Public Domain Day is an annual celebration when copyrights expire for a specific set of works, typically those created a certain number of years prior. In the United States, works published in 1928, whose copyrights were set to expire at the end of 2023, officially entered the public domain on January 1, 2024. This transition allows for the unrestricted use and creative reimagination of these works by artists, educators, and the general public.
Key Works That Entered in 2024
Among the notable works from 1928 that entered the public domain, two stand out for their cultural impact:
- Steamboat Willie: This iconic animated short film from Walt Disney Animation Studios features the earliest versions of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, marking their debut appearance. While later iterations of these characters remain copyrighted, the specific versions depicted in Steamboat Willie are now free for public use.
- The Man Who Laughs: A dramatic horror film starring Conrad Veidt, this movie is famous for inspiring the iconic appearance of Batman's archnemesis, The Joker. Its entry into the public domain opens up new avenues for adaptations and interpretations of its distinctive imagery and storyline.
Other significant entries from 1928 include:
- Literary Works: Novels like D.H. Lawrence's Lady Chatterley's Lover, Virginia Woolf's Orlando, and Bertolt Brecht's The Threepenny Opera.
- Musical Compositions: Songs such as "Makin' Whoopee!" by Walter Donaldson and Gus Kahn, and "I Can't Give You Anything but Love, Baby" by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields.
Recent Public Domain Entries (United States)
The progression of works entering the public domain each year is determined by copyright law, specifically the term of copyright protection. Here’s a summary of recent years:
| Year of Entry | Original Publication Year | Notable Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1925 | The Great Gatsby, Arrowsmith |
| 2022 | 1926 | The Sun Also Rises, Don Juan |
| 2023 | 1927 | Wings, Metropolis (re-entry) |
| 2024 | 1928 | The Man Who Laughs, Steamboat Willie |
The Impact of Public Domain
The entry of works into the public domain is crucial for fostering creativity and access to cultural heritage. It allows creators to reinterpret, adapt, and build upon foundational works without legal restrictions, leading to new artistic expressions, educational resources, and economic opportunities. This enables a vibrant ecosystem where classic stories and characters can find new life and relevance for contemporary audiences.
