Each January 1st new works enter the public domain. In 2022, works originally registered or published in 1926 become public domain. Works published during that time, that met all required formalities, enjoyed a maximum term of copyright protection of 95 years.
Public domain works are free of copyright. This means they may be freely copied, adapted, distributed, performed and displayed, without permission from a rightsholder.
Selected Public Domain Works
Literature:
Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
The Weary Blues by Langston Hughes
The Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T.E. Lawrence
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
Soldiers’ Pay by William Faulkner
My Mortal Enemy by Willa Cather
Films:
Sound Recordings:
Maple Leaf Rag performed by Vess L. Ossman
Some of These Days performed by Sophie Tucker
Jelly Roll Blues performed by The Norfolk Jazz Quartette
Roamin’ in the Gloamin’ performed by Harry Lauder
My Man performed by Fanny Brice