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Public Domain Day 2026 list: Betty Boop, Disney cartoons, more

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Fans of 1930s character Betty Boop can rejoice as the precursor to the iconic cartoon is now in the public domain as of January 1, 2026.

This means that anyone can adopt the specific version of Betty Boop that appeared in circling dishes Cartoons, in their own creative work without being subject to copyright laws.

This version of Betty Boop had her distinctive large eyes and mouth, but also had longer dog ears. At the time he was interested in being a dog cook, so he had a realistic dog-like appearance.

See also:

Yes, Popeye Can Eat Spinach: Everything You Need to Know About Public Domain Day 2025

In 2026, Betty Boop is joined by other popular characters, books, films, and songs in the public domain, including new Mickey Mouse cartoons and comics; Blondie the comic strip characters Blondie and Dagwood; William Faulkner’s novel as I Lay DyingIllustrated edition of Wattie Piper’s children’s book the little engine that couldthe film All Quiet on the Western Frontand the standards “Dream a Little Dream of Me” and “Georgia on My Mind”, previously recorded by famous acts such as The Mamas and the Papas and Ray Charles, respectively.

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These and other creative works can now be used in the public domain without permission or payment. However, people should pay close attention to which version of the work is eligible for use.

It appears that Fleischer Studios, which owns the copyright to the fully developed Betty Boop character, pointed out that the expiration of that copyright does not apply to other Betty Boop copyrights and trademarks that are still in effect.

While nine early Mickey Mouse cartoons are now in the public domain, the Mickey Mouse character is still subject to perpetual rights. (For more on these legal complications, see Mashable’s story on Popeye’s arrival in the public domain in 2025.)

Here are some of the notable and beloved works entering the public domain in 2026, according to Duke University’s Center for the Study of the Public Domain:

Comics, Characters and Cartoons

movies

Literature

musical compositions

  • “Georgia on My Mind,” written by Stuart Gorrell and Hoagy Carmichael

  • “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” written by Fabian Andre, Wilbur Schwandt and Gus Kahn

  • “On the Sunny Side of the Street” by Dorothy Fields and Jimmy McHugh.

  • “I’ve Got Rhythm,” “I’ve Got a Crush on You,” “But Not for Me,” and “Embraceable You,” written by Ira Gershwin and George Gershwin.



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