January 1st marks not only the beginning of a new year but also a delightful occasion known as Public Domain Day!
This special day signifies the moment when an array of literature, music, films, television shows, pop culture, poetry, and scientific works from a particular year become freely accessible for everyone to use, reprint, and modify.
According to Standard eBooks, the idea of public domain dates back to the founding of the United States, where the creators envisioned a flexible intellectual property law to foster the growth of the arts and sciences.
As the U.S. journeyed through time, the duration of intellectual copyright expanded due to the persistent efforts of businesses seeking to limit competition and innovation. This led to a lengthy 95-year wait for materials to enter the public domain.
Standard eBooks highlights that 2019 was a groundbreaking year as new works were finally poised to enter the public domain. As that year approached, it became apparent that major corporations would not attempt to extend copyright laws any further, making it the first time in nearly a century that a significant collection of art and literature became publicly accessible in the U.S.
This year, all works published in 1930 are now part of the public domain, which includes remarkable pieces by authors such as Franz Kafka, Langston Hughes, Jim Corbett, and Agatha Christie. Notable titles like As I Lay Dying, How to Win Friends and Influence People, Vile Bodies, Ash Wednesday, and four exciting entries from Nancy Drew are now available for free on Standard eBooks.
In addition to literature, Public Domain Review shares that various treasures are now accessible, including Albert Einstein’s papers, the classic 1930 film All Quiet on the Western Front, the musical works of Charlie Parker, images of the artist Barbara Hepworth’s creations, and the captivating photographs by journalist Walker Evans.
The reason behind this joyful event is the “life plus 70 years” rule practiced in the U.S. and numerous other countries, such as Russia and the UK. This rule allows copyright to last for the duration of the creator’s life, plus an additional 70 years. Thus, any individual who passed away in 1955 will see their works entering the public domain.
Join in the celebration of Public Domain Day by exploring and enjoying free eBooks from these extraordinary authors!
