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

The original version of an iconic Disney character has entered the public domain. The Center of the Study of the Public Domain at Duke University released its annual list of thousands of works from ...

An early iteration of Mickey Mouse has entered the public domain alongside Winnie-the-Pooh, Sherlock Holmes and Robin Hood, signaling potential legal action by companies like Disney and Warner Bros.

There’s no guarantee public domain characters will be in good games, but this one seems more than OK. Mickey Mouse is now playable in a video game! Which is to say, the public domain version of Mickey ...

In 2034, Superman and several other DC Comics characters will officially join the public domain. If a character is in the public domain, it means that they are no longer copyrighted and are free for ...

Thanks to Winnie Pooh accidentally terrifying a class full of fourth graders in the new horror film, Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey, the question on everyone’s mind is when can we expect a field day ...

With the Steamboat Willie versions of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse now becoming public domain, fans wish to find out if other popular names such as Superman and Batman will be joining the public ...

Fans of the 1930s character Betty Boop can rejoice as a precursor of the iconic cartoon is now in the public domain, as of Jan. 1, 2026. That means anyone can adapt that specific version of Betty Boop ...

What do "I Got Rhythm," "The Maltese Falcon," and "The Little Engine That Could" have in common? They all went into the public domain this year ...

LOS ANGELES — The giant stuffed bear, its face a twisted smile, lumbers across the screen. Menacing music swells. Shadows mask unknown threats. Christopher Robin begs for his life. And is that a ...

The giant stuffed bear, its face a twisted smile, lumbers across the screen. Menacing music swells. Shadows mask unknown threats. Christopher Robin begs for his life. And is that a sledgehammer about ...