Public Domain Day

Public Domain Day is observed on January 1. Each year, certain copyrights expire, turning creative works into national treasures. In the United States, this generally happens 70 years after the creator’s death, although the period can be extended in some cases depending on several factors.

History

Wallace McLean from Canada was a passionate advocate for community access to creative works. He worked tirelessly to establish this holiday, gathering support from influential individuals and organizations. In 2001, Creative Commons was founded with the primary goal of increasing the number of works available to the public. By 2004, Public Domain Day became a tradition in many countries.

A catalog of public domain works and authors was first published online on January 1, 2010. Today, anyone can visit the site and use works by a wide variety of creators, royalty-free. Every year, even more works become accessible!

Interesting Facts

Did you know:

• An author can voluntarily release their work into the public domain during their lifetime;
• Public domain works can be used without paying royalties;
• The works of William Shakespeare have always been in the public domain;
• Public Domain Day became an international observance in 2020.

How to Take Part

Explore the vast array of literature and art available online—there are more works than anyone could experience in a lifetime. Get creative by writing your own sequels to classic books or reading interpretations by others. Try your hand at reimagining famous paintings. Host a themed party and invite friends, or share the significance of Public Domain Day on social media.

When is Public Domain Day in 2026?

Public Domain Day is observed on January 1 each year.

Observations