Copyright laws can be confusing. It can be tempting to use characters that people know and love, but you don’t want to get into any legal trouble. January first is International Public Domain Day, where we celebrate the new works introduced into the public domain. That means they are free to use any way you want! In the United States, books and films from 1929 and songs from 1924 will become available for use in 2025. Here are some new characters and work entering the public domain, as well as some notable works you may not have realized were already available for you to use for free.
1. Popeye the Sailor
Created by Elzie Crisler Segar on January 17, 1929, this famous cartoon character first debuted in a comic strip. By now, he’s appeared in everything from candy cigarette ads to live action films to video games. As Popeye would say, “I yam what I yam, and that’s all I yam.”
2. The Treachery of Images by Rene Magritte
You’re probably more familiar with this painting by its tagline, “This is not a pipe.” This renowned piece of surrealist art is rife with opportunities for funny and creative uses. It’s an excellent way to capitalize on the ‘meta’ humor we’ve seen trending lately.
3. Singin’ In the Rain
This musical composition with lyrics by Arthur Freed was published May 27, 1929 and popularized in the comedy movie The Hollywood Review. The song is famously associated with the transition from silent movies to ‘talkies,’ and inextricably linked to film history.
4. The Skeleton Dance
Originating in the 1929 animated shorts series Silly Symphony, this cartoon has seen a rise in popularity as a Halloween meme. It’s often paired with the song “Spooky Scary Skeletons.”
5. TinTin
Popularized by the titular Adventures of TinTin, this character created by Belgian cartoonist Hergé also first appeared in newspaper comics. TinTin was actually inspired by the artist’s younger brother.
6. Tarzan
You may recognize him from the Disney animated film, but you may not be aware that this character from Edgar Rice Burroughs’ series of 24 novels is already in the public domain. The first 11 novels became free to use in 2024, and this year the twelfth book in the series, Tarzan and the Lost Empire, will join that list.
7. Sherlock Holmes
This famous detective officially entered the public domain in 2023, but this year the first sound film to feature the character, The Return of Sherlock Holmes, will also be added. That means you’re free to use any quotes or images from any official canon of this character in your designs! In the words of Sherlock himself, “It is my business to know what other people don’t know.”
8. Maui (The Demigod)
You may have just seen him in the sequel Moana 2, released November 27, 2024. Although the Disney character voiced by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson doesn’t count quite yet, the original character that inspired him is from pre-18th century Maori mythology; therefore, he’s free to use as inspiration.
9. Peacemaker
This DC Superhero (or should we say anti-hero?) played by John Cena and recently featured in the video game Mortal Kombat is actually part of the public domain! He was originally featured in a comic published in 1966. This is a great design inspiration option for anyone who “Loves PEACE so much they’re willing to FIGHT for it!”
10. King Kong
Recently featured in the 2024 movie Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, this famous movie monster is 100% free to use in your designs. First shown in the titular 1933 film, this character was inspired by filmmaker Merian C. Cooper’s fascination with gorillas from a young age along with tales of giant vicious gorillas from a book given to him by his uncle, Explorations and Adventures in Equatorial Africa.
And there you have it: ten characters you may not have realized are freely up for grabs for any design you can imagine. Think about the possibilities for your own next custom creation with Skazma!
Skazma is committed to the appropriate and legal use of the intellectual property of others; if you need assistance determining the usage rights of any elements of your design, we’ll help you find a solution. For more information about what is required for your artwork, visit our Proper Artwork page:
