Public Domain Expansion Includes Iconic Works

On January 1, 2025, a significant number of works from 1929 will enter the public domain, including iconic characters like Popeye and Tintin, along with Disney's 'The Skeleton Dance' and several Mickey Mouse shorts. Popeye's initial version, which debuted in 'Thimble Theatre', is now available for adaptation, although his spinach-derived strength is not included until later comics. Tintin, created by Hergé, can also be reimagined in the U.S., while still under copyright in the EU until 2054. This year will also see the addition of classic literary works from authors like William Faulkner and Dashiell Hammett entering the public domain. Disney retains trademark rights to the Mickey Mouse character, meaning that while the original cartoons can be used, the brand identity remains protected. The arrival of these works provides a new opportunity for creators to explore and innovate within these beloved narratives.