What Determines Public Domain Entries on January 1, 2019?

Every year, a significant number of works enter the public domain, which means they are no longer protected by copyright and can be freely used, reproduced, and shared. On January 1, 2019, a particular set of works entered the public domain. This article explores what criteria and factors determine these entries, and highlights some famous examples.

Global Copyright Laws and Public Domain Entries

In most of the world, the cut-off for works to enter the public domain on January 1, 2019, was based on the death of the creator. According to the current international copyright protection, in most countries, works that have had no new copyright claim renewal since their creation by a solo creator or the longest-lived co-creator die after 1948 or 1968. This means that any work produced by someone who passed away in or after these years entered the public domain on January 1, 2019.

United States Copyright Law

In the United States, the entry into the public domain has some particularities. Since 1978, copyright terms have been extended to 70 years after the author's death, with works created for hire (Wfh) terms extended to 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter. Therefore, in the U.S., any work published in 1924 and not a Wfh, unless its copyright was renewed, entered the public domain on January 1, 2019, as the copyright terms had expired.

Notable Entries from 2019

With these laws in mind, some notable works from 2019 entered the public domain. Here are some highlights:

Harold Lloyd's Silent Film Safety Last!

One of the most notable entries is the 1923 silent film Safety Last! directed by and starring Harold Lloyd. This classic comedic film, known for its iconic and daring stunts, and now in the public domain, provides a rare opportunity for film enthusiasts and historians to study and share the artistry of early cinema.

Winston Churchill's Account of World War I: The World Crisis

Winston Churchill, the renowned British statesman, literary figure, and First Lord of the Admiralty during World War I, penned his monumental work The World Crisis. This multi-volume account of World War I, which entered the public domain in 2019, offers a detailed and historically significant perspective that can now be freely accessed and studied.

P. G. Wodehouse's Jeeves and Appropriation

Perhaps one of the most beloved series of books to enter the public domain in 2019 is the Jeeves and Wodehouse series, written by P. G. Wodehouse. Jeeves and Wooster are immortal characters that continue to bring laughter and delight to readers. With the books now in the public domain, Wodehouse fans can explore every twist and turn of the stories and reinterpret the prose as they wish.

Other Notable Entries

While the works mentioned above are well-known, there were a few other notable entries as well. For instance, Kahlil Gibran's renowned book, The Prophet, first published in 1923, was another work that entered the public domain on January 1, 2019. Additionally, the original The Ten Commandments film by Cecil B. DeMille, released in 1956, also joined the public domain, though it shares the same copyright year as P.G. Wodehouse's works.

Conclusion

Works becoming part of the public domain on January 1, 2019, brought a wealth of cultural and literary treasures into the hands of the public. From silent films to towering literary accomplishments, these works enrich our understanding of the past and offer a fertile ground for new interpretations and adaptations.

Keywords

public domain, copyrighted works, 2019, Harold Lloyd, Winston Churchill, P.G. Wodehouse