Copyright Expiration Unlocks Classic Creations for All in 2026
Under U.S. law, the copyright on thousands of creative works from 1930 will expire at midnight on January 1, 2026. This development will allow these works—ranging from films and books to musical compositions—to enter the public domain, meaning they can be freely used, shared, and adapted after nearly a century of protection. Among the notable entries are iconic characters such as the original Betty Boop, whose famous hoop earrings were originally designed as floppy dog ears, and the first iteration of Disney’s Pluto, previously known as Rover.
Jennifer Jenkins, director of the Center for the Study of the Public Domain at Duke University Law School, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming release of these works. “I think this is my favorite crop of works yet, which is saying a lot,” she noted, highlighting the opportunity to reflect on the historical significance of animation studios like Fleischer and Disney. Jenkins explained that this era’s creations continue to influence contemporary animation styles.
The array of films set to enter the public domain includes a diverse selection spanning genres such as war stories, musicals, thrillers, Westerns, and comedies. Notable directors contributing to this collection include Alfred Hitchcock, Howard Hughes, and Salvador Dalí. The musical offerings feature timeless compositions, including “Georgia on My Mind” and four songs by the renowned duo Ira and George Gershwin—”I Got Rhythm,” “I’ve Got a Crush on You,” “But Not for Me,” and “Embraceable You.”
In addition to films and music, significant artworks will also become accessible. Pieces like Piet Mondrian’s “Composition with Red, Blue and Yellow” and the Jules Rimet Cup by Abel Lafleur will be available for public use, allowing for a deeper appreciation and exploration of their historical context.
Jenkins and her four-person team dedicated over 80 hours poring through archives to compile this year’s list of works. The process involved writing an online summary that kept her engaged from dawn until dusk over two weeks. She believes that the effort is worthwhile, as it highlights the role of the public domain in fostering creativity and ensuring access to cultural treasures. “What’s really fun is that people are excited about it—people well beyond our world of copyright lawyers,” she said. “And for me, one of the most exciting things is when you revisit a work that you loved in a different period of your life and get to look at it again.”
The shift to public domain status means that creators can now produce works featuring characters like Betty Boop without needing prior permission or incurring costs. “What’s different now is if you and I are really good at choreographing dance moves and writing lyrics for songs, we could make our own musical featuring Betty Boop 1.0 and we can go in whatever crazy directions we want,” Jenkins explained.
The implications of these changes extend beyond artistic creation; they also enhance the availability of previously inaccessible works. Many creative endeavors from the 1930s have been out of print for decades, and the complexities of ownership have limited their online presence. “Publishing houses go out of business, people die, ownership changes hands,” Jenkins noted. “When they go into the public domain, you don’t have to worry about that.”
Another advantage of this transition is the potential for third parties to digitize old films and sound recordings, which have deteriorated over time. This process allows for preservation and broader distribution. Jenkins emphasized the importance of these resources for educators, especially in light of shrinking school budgets. “Now we’re all having these conversations with our chatbots and wondering what it means that we’re reacting to artistic work or to words generated by a machine,” she added, reflecting on the human creativity that sparked these works in the shadow of World War I.
As preparation for the public domain transition continues, Jenkins underscores the significance of human authorship in copyright law. “Human authorship is a requisite for copyright,” she stated, indicating that works generated by artificial intelligence would not receive the same protections.
In a separate but related announcement, public health officials in Los Angeles County advised residents to stay away from beaches due to contamination concerns following a historic winter storm. Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro remains closed after a discharge of over 100,000 gallons of sewage, prompting warnings to avoid free-flowing water near storm drains and rivers that may pose health risks.
In California, lawmakers have also made significant changes to the state’s car-buying regulations. A controversial new policy allows buyers to return used vehicles within three days for a full refund if the purchase price is under $50,000. This legislation, which takes effect in October, aims to enhance consumer protections and transparency.
As California’s Democratic-controlled Legislature prepares for potential pushback from national Republicans regarding vehicle policy, Senator Ben Allen expressed commitment to maintaining clean air standards. He noted that the state will likely continue to advocate for its vehicle regulations despite challenges.
The evolving landscape of copyright, public health advisories, and consumer protections reflect a dynamic interplay of laws and cultural shifts in contemporary society. With significant changes on the horizon, both creators and consumers stand to benefit from the new opportunities and protections being established.
