Public Domain Film Research
Public Domain FYI helps filmmakers, archivists, educators, and film enthusiasts research whether any motion picture is in the US public domain. Enter a title — and optionally a release year — and receive a detailed, source-cited analysis of its copyright status.
We triangulate evidence from the U.S. Copyright Office, the Stanford Copyright Renewal Database, Wikipedia, and the Internet Archive. Every report includes the specific URLs we read. Results are research, not legal advice — verify with counsel before commercial use.
The framework we apply
| Publication date | Rule |
|---|---|
| Before 1928 | Definitively public domain in the US. |
| 1928–1963 | Public domain if copyright was not renewed within 28 years (~85% were not renewed). |
| 1964–1977 | Protected for 95 years from publication date. |
| 1978 onward | Protected for life of author + 70 years (or 95 years for works for hire). |
| US federal government films | Public domain regardless of date. |
Foreign films follow similar US rules for US public-domain status. This tool focuses on US copyright law.
Who it's for
- • Filmmakers researching footage and archival clips
- • Film archivists cataloging collections and preservation rights
- • Educators selecting films for classroom screenings
- • Streaming platforms evaluating titles for public-domain catalogs
- • Researchers and journalists verifying copyright status
- • Film enthusiasts exploring classic cinema history
About
PublicDomain.FYI is built and maintained by Shotgun Law as a public research resource for the film community.
Disclaimer
Public Domain FYI is an artificial intelligence-powered information tool. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Results are for informational research only and do not replace the due diligence of a qualified copyright attorney. Always consult licensed counsel before commercial use of any film.