Los Angeles is set to welcome a host of beloved characters and artistic works into the public domain on January 1, 2026. Among these are the iconic cartoon figures Betty Boop and Blondie, joining the ranks of Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh. With their copyrights reaching the maximum duration of 95 years, creators will soon have the freedom to use and adapt these characters without needing permission or incurring fees.
This upcoming release is part of a broader trend that began in 2019, which marked the end of a prolonged period of copyright extensions in the United States. Each year since has seen a growing collection of works becoming available to the public, much to the delight of advocates who support increased access to creative content. As Jennifer Jenkins, law professor and director of Duke University’s Center for the Study of the Public Domain, noted, “It’s a big year. It’s just the sheer familiarity of all this culture.”
Classic Characters and Their Historical Context
The new entries for 2026 provide a fascinating glimpse into cultural history. Betty Boop, who first appeared in the 1930 short “Dizzy Dishes,” began her journey as a dog, complete with poodle ears and a tiny nose. She has since evolved into the quintessential Jazz Age flapper, recognized globally. Notably, Betty’s creation was influenced by the singer Helen Kane, known for her “Boop-Oop-a-Doop” persona. Artists are now free to create new works featuring this early version of Betty, although the trademark associated with her character remains under the ownership of Fleischer Productions.
Similarly, Blondie Boopadoop, the star of Chic Young’s newspaper comic strip that debuted the same year, has captivated audiences for decades. The comic, which chronicles her life with boyfriend Dagwood Bumstead, has transitioned from print to a successful film series and radio show, and continues to entertain readers today.
Adding to this wealth of characters, nine new Mickey Mouse cartoons will be entering the public domain. This follows the 2024 entry of “Steamboat Willie,” the first cartoon featuring the iconic mouse. Joining Mickey in this release is his dog, Pluto, who was originally known as Rover.
Literary and Cinematic Treasures Become Accessible
The literary landscape also sees notable figures stepping into the public domain. The first four books in the Nancy Drew series, penned by Mildred Benson under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene, marked their debut in 1930. These works, beginning with “The Secret of the Old Clock,” have introduced generations to the teenage sleuth.
Additionally, the shrewd detective Sam Spade, created by Dashiell Hammett in “The Maltese Falcon,” and the elderly sleuth Miss Marple from Agatha Christie’s “Murder at the Vicarage,” will also become public domain properties. This broadening of literary access includes William Faulkner’s “As I Lay Dying,” which played a pivotal role in winning him the Nobel Prize in literature.
Film enthusiasts can look forward to classic titles such as “Animal Crackers,” featuring the Marx Brothers, which showcases their comedic brilliance. The German film “The Blue Angel,” starring Marlene Dietrich, and the Oscar-winning films “All Quiet on the Western Front” and “Cimarron” will also become available.
Music will not be left behind, as several cherished songs from the Great American Songbook will enter the public domain. Compositions by George Gershwin, including “Embraceable You” and “I Got Rhythm,” alongside “Georgia on My Mind” by Hoagy Carmichael, will now be accessible for new interpretations.
The upcoming year promises a significant cultural shift as these cherished characters, literary figures, and timeless works move into the public domain, providing fertile ground for creativity and innovation. As Jenkins aptly put it, the entries reflect not only artistic merit but also the historical context of the times, capturing a rich tapestry of culture for future generations to explore.
