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Celebrate the Public Domain with the Internet Archive: 2026

On January 1, 2026, creative works from 1930 and sound recordings
from 1925 enter the public domain in the United States. 1930 ushered
in a new decade and a world teetering between mystery and modernity.
It was a year of detectives, jazz, speakeasies, and iconic characters
stepping onto the cultural stage--many of whom have been locked behind
copyright for nearly a century.

1. What's moving into the public domain in 2026?

[Public_Domain_Day_2026_MontageCC-BY-1024x576]Montage of materials
entering the public domain in 2026, created by Duke Law's Center for
the Study of the Public Domain.

Each year, Duke Law's Center for the Study of the Public Domain
publishes a much-anticipated list of cultural treasures entering the
public domain, and the Class of 2026 is packed with icons: Dizzy
Dishes, marking the first appearance of Betty Boop; Disney's famous
bloodhound debuts as Rover (later known as Pluto); the Academy
Award-winning Best Picture All Quiet on the Western Front becomes
free to share; beloved classics like The Little Engine That Could
join the celebration; timeless musical compositions including
"Georgia on My Mind," "I Got Rhythm," and "Dream a Little Dream of
Me" are opened up for reimagination; and the dazzling Technicolor
revue King of Jazz takes its place in the commons. Explore the full
list in Duke's annual post: https://web.law.duke.edu/cspd/
publicdomainday/2026/

Watch the video from Duke Law:

2. Creators: Enter the Public Domain Film Remix Contest

[PDFRC_16_9]

We invite filmmakers and artists of all skill levels to celebrate the
public domain by creating and uploading 2-3 minute short films to the
Internet Archive! Top entries will be awarded prizes up to $1,500. 
Contest details.

3. Virtual Celebration: January 21st @ 10am PT

[TCOTDC_16_9_1000]

This year, we follow The Case of the Disappearing Copyright as iconic
detectives and stories return to the public domain. Nancy Drew debuts
with her first four mysteries, Agatha Christie's Miss Marple appears
in The Murder at the Vicarage, and Sam Spade from The Maltese Falcon
becomes free for new adventures. Join us on January 21 as we crack
open these newly liberated works and celebrate the enduring power of
creativity, curiosity, and culture with an incredible lineup of
academics, librarians, musicians, artists, and advocates. Register
now!

4. In-Person Celebration: January 21st @ 6pm PT at the Internet
Archive

[PDD_FRC_PARTY_SCREENING_16_9_1000]

Join us at the Internet Archive for a glamorous night of film, fun,
and public domain magic as we premiere the winning films and
honorable mentions from this year's Public Domain Film Remix Contest.
Come toast the artists who turned these newly liberated works into
brand-new cinema, and celebrate the boundless possibilities that open
up when culture reenters the commons. Register now!

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Celebrate the public domain in 2026!

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10:00 am - 11:30 am

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2026

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Jan 27
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