Shotgun Law
PUBLIC DOMAIN FYI
Film Copyright Research
Fetch!ExploreLibraryBlogPricingAboutContact
Fetch!ExploreLibrary
— The Archive —

Blog

Annual Public Domain Day reports and ongoing analysis of US film copyright.

January 1, 2026

Public Domain Day 2026: Everything Entering the US Public Domain on January 1

On January 1, 2026, every US film, sound recording, and book first published in 1930 enters the public domain — including All Quiet on the Western Front, the first Betty Boop cartoons, and Pluto's debut.

Shotgun Law
PUBLIC DOMAIN FYI

An AI-powered research tool for filmmakers, archivists, and educators evaluating US film copyright status.

Sections
  • Fetch!
  • Explore archive
  • Copyright framework
Reference
  • 17 U.S.C. § 304 (renewal)
  • Sonny Bono Term Extension Act
  • U.S. Copyright Office records
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Public Domain FYI is an artificial intelligence-powered information tool. It is NOT a law firm and does not provide legal advice, legal opinions, or legal representation. Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. 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.
HSLD
© 2026 PUBLIC DOMAIN FYI — Film copyright research portal by SHOTGUN LAW.
AboutContact