Got an idea for a new holiday? Let us know!
Submit Holiday

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.
Weekly And Monthly Reports - Techcloud X Webflow Template
When it is?
January 1
Location Icon
Country
United States
Creator
Email Icon
Founded
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!

History of International Public Domain Day

International Public Domain Day Timeline

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

How to Celebrate International Public Domain Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a public domain movie marathon</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create public domain themed artwork</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and make some artwork inspired by works in the public domain. This could include illustrations, paintings, or even digital art.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a public domain book club</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a public domain music jam session</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a public domain preservation organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div>

Why International Public Domain Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Preserves cultural and historical works</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Encourages innovation and creativity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes a more open and inclusive society</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div>

5 Facts About Public Domains

International Public Domain Day FAQs

When is International Public Domain Day?

International Public Domain Day is celebrated on January 1 every year. In 2024 International Public Domain Day will occur on a Monday.

International Public Domain Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Jan 1

Sunday

2024

Jan 1

Monday

2025

Jan 1

Wednesday

2026

Jan 1

Thursday

2027

Jan 1

Friday

Arts & Entertainment Holidays