Public Domain 2026: Famous IPs That Will Finally Be Free to Use

Intellectual property (IP) is the bedrock of the creative economy. It ensures that authors, inventors, and artists retain control over their creations for a specific period. However, that control does not last forever. Every year on January 1, a new wave of creative works sheds its copyright protection and enters the public domain, becoming free for anyone to use, adapt, or reimagine.

The upcoming class of 2026 includes some heavy hitters. We are talking about legendary detectives, iconic cartoon dogs, and seminal films that defined their genres. For creators, this represents a massive opportunity. For current rights holders, it signals a shift in how they must protect their remaining assets.

At Emerson Thomson Bennett (ETB Law), we navigate the complex lifecycle of intellectual property. Whether you are looking to utilize these newly available works or protect your own portfolio, understanding the shift that happens in 2026 is essential.

What Does Public Domain Mean?

When we say a work has entered the “public domain,” we mean that its intellectual property rights — specifically copyright — have expired, were forfeited, or are inapplicable.

In the United States, works published in 1930 enter the public domain on January 1, 2026 under the 95-year term. Once that clock runs out, the work belongs to the public. No permission is required to copy it, distribute it, perform it, or create derivative works based on it.

This expiration is vital for cultural preservation. It allows old films to be restored and distributed without legal hurdles, and it allows new artists to build upon the foundations laid by previous generations.

Famous IPs Entering the Public Domain in 2026

The lineup for 2026 is particularly exciting. It features the debut appearances of characters that have remained household names for nearly a century. Here are the most notable famous IPs joining the public domain.

Literature and Detectives

Mystery fans have a reason to celebrate in 2026. Two of the most enduring figures in the genre will see their debut novels lose copyright protection.

1. “The Murder at the Vicarage” by Agatha Christie: This is the very first novel to feature Miss Marple, the elderly amateur detective who would go on to become one of Christie’s most beloved characters.
2. “The Secret of the Old Clock” by Carolyn Keene: The world was introduced to teen detective Nancy Drew in this 1930 novel. The first three follow-up books in the series also enter the public domain this year.
3. “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper: The classic story of optimism and perseverance will become available for new adaptations and retellings.

Animation and Cartoons

Following closely on the heels of Mickey Mouse entering the public domain, 2026 sees other animation giants joining the list.

1. Betty Boop: Fleischer Studios’ Dizzy Dishes was the first cartoon to feature the character who would evolve into Betty Boop. While she looked more like a dog in this early iteration, this specific version of the character is now open for use.
2. Pluto: Disney’s The Chain Gang and The Picnic depict the earliest versions of Mickey Mouse’s dog, Pluto.
3. Blondie: The first four months of the Blondie comic strips by Chic Young, featuring the titular character and her boyfriend Dagwood, will enter the public domain.

Classic Films From the Golden Age of Hollywood

The Golden Age of Hollywood contributed several masterpieces to the public domain in 2026.

1. “All Quiet on the Western Front”: Directed by Lewis Milestone, this anti-war epic won Best Picture at the 3rd Academy Awards and remains a powerful piece of cinema history.
2. “The Big Trail”: This film, directed by Raoul Walsh, is significant for featuring John Wayne’s first turn as a leading man.
3. “Animal Crackers”: A comedy classic directed by Victor Heerman and starring the Marx Brothers.
4. “King of Jazz”: This film marks Bing Crosby’s first appearance in a feature film.

Opportunities and Risks

The transition of these works into the public domain creates a unique landscape for businesses and creatives.

The Opportunities

For filmmakers, game developers, and writers, this is a chance to remix history. We have already seen this happen with Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse. You can expect to see new mystery novels starring the original 1930 version of Nancy Drew or indie video games featuring the earliest iteration of Pluto.

Merchandising is another major avenue. Companies can print the original text of The Murder at the Vicarage or put the original image of Betty Boop on t-shirts without paying licensing fees to the original estate, as long as they don’t violate any current trademarks.

The Risks and Considerations

However, this is not a free-for-all. It is crucial to understand the distinction between the specific work entering the public domain and the later iterations of a character.

For example, while the 1930 version of Nancy Drew is free to use, later books in the series — and the specific character traits or plot points introduced in them — are still under copyright. If you use elements from a Nancy Drew book published in 1950, you could still be sued for infringement.

Furthermore, trademark law does not expire the same way copyright does. While the copyright on a specific Mickey Mouse cartoon has expired, Disney still owns the trademark for Mickey Mouse as a brand identifier. 

If your use of a public domain character confuses consumers into thinking your product is produced or endorsed by the original rights holder, you could still face legal action for trademark infringement.

How ETB Law Can Help

Navigating the line between public domain usage and copyright infringement requires precision. At ETB Law, we help IP owners and creators manage this transition effectively.

If you are a rights holder, we can assist with:

• IP Audits: identifying which parts of your portfolio are expiring and which remain protected.
• Trademark Strategies: Strengthening your brand identity to ensure you retain market protection even after copyrights expire.
• Enforcement: Monitoring the market to ensure unauthorized users do not cross the line from public domain usage into trademark infringement.

If you are a creator looking to utilize public domain works, we offer:

• Clearance Opinions: Reviewing your project to ensure you are only using elements that are truly free to use.
• Licensing Agreements: Negotiating rights for elements that are still under protection.

Protect Your Creative Assets

Whether you are looking to reinvent a classic character or protect your own growing portfolio, you need a legal partner who understands the nuances of intellectual property. The entry of famous IP into the public domain changes the playing field, but it doesn’t eliminate the rules.

Contact ETB Law today to discuss your intellectual property strategy and ensure you are prepared for the changes coming in 2026.