January 1

International Public Domain Day

It's time to honor the works that have entered the public domain! Join us in celebrating International Public Domain Day and explore all its treasures.

Yearly Date
January 1
Observed in
United States
Subcategory
History & Civics
Holiday Calendar
Last updated February 7, 2026 by the Holiday Calendar Team
Have an update or spot an error?

Introduction

Happy New Year and Happy International Public Domain Day on January 1! This special day marks the expiration of copyright protection for works published in the United States 95 years ago. This means that classic books, films, music, and other forms of media from 1925 are now free to be used, shared, and adapted by anyone without fear of legal repercussions. It's a time to celebrate creativity and the power of public domain to inspire new creations. So let's raise a glass to all the amazing works that have entered the public domain and get ready for some exciting new projects!

International Public Domain Day Timeline

1886
Birth of International Copyright Law
The Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, an international agreement governing copyright, was established in 1886.
1923
American Copyright Act
The United States passed a copyright act in 1923, which heavily influenced the course of public domain worldwide.
1998
Copyright Term Extension Act
The US Congress passed the Copyright Term Extension Act, significantly extending the term of copyrights.
2000
Start of Public Domain Day
Public Domain Day was first observed on January 1, 2000, to acknowledge and celebrate works that entered the public domain.
2019
End of Copyright Extension
US saw the first sizable addition to the public domain since 1998 due to the expiration of the Copyright Term Extension Act's impact.

How to Celebrate International Public Domain Day

1

Host a public domain movie marathon

Gather some friends and family and have a movie marathon featuring films that are now in the public domain. This is a great way to celebrate the day and also discover some hidden cinematic gems.

2

Create public domain themed artwork

Get creative and make some artwork inspired by works in the public domain. This could include illustrations, paintings, or even digital art.

3

Attend a public domain book club

Join or start a book club that focuses on reading books that are now in the public domain. This is a great way to celebrate the day and also discover some classic literature.

4

Have a public domain music jam session

Gather some musician friends and have a jam session featuring songs that are now in the public domain. This is a great way to celebrate the day and also showcase some lesser known musical pieces.

5

Donate to a public domain preservation organization

Support organizations that work towards preserving public domain works by making a donation in honor of International Public Domain Day. This is a great way to give back and support the continued availability of these important works.

Why International Public Domain Day is Important

A

Preserves cultural and historical works

International Public Domain Day celebrates the expiration of copyright on creative works, allowing them to be freely used and shared by the public. This promotes access to important cultural artifacts and historical materials, preserving them for future generations.

B

Encourages innovation and creativity

By entering into the public domain, these creative works become accessible to everyone for inspiration and adaptation. This allows for new ideas and creations to flourish, building upon the foundation laid by previous artists and thinkers.

C

Promotes a more open and inclusive society

The public domain encourages diversity of thought and culture, as people from all backgrounds have access to creative works without restriction. It also enables individuals who cannot afford expensive copyrighted materials to educate themselves and participate in society.

Holiday Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Jan 1
Sunday
2024
Jan 1
Monday
2025
Jan 1
Wednesday
2026
Jan 1
Thursday
2027
Jan 1
Friday