Link: Public domain 2026: Betty Boop, Pluto, and Nancy Drew set free

While writing a sci-fi story years ago, I wanted to include verses from a copyrighted 1928 song, which was off-limits at that time. Today, that song is in the public domain, along with other works created in 1930 that can now be freely used.

Each year, Duke Law School’s Center for the Study of the Public Domain highlights works that have entered public domain.

This year’s notable works include William Faulkner’s "As I Lay Dying" and Agatha Christie’s "The Murder at the Vicarage".

Also in the public domain are Fleischer Studios' first Betty Boop cartoon and the first Nancy Drew books.

Before the Hays Code was enforced, 1930 films like "Morocco" controversially featured content that would soon be censored.

If you’re interested in creating content using these newly available works, consider joining digital or analog game competitions focusing on 1930s content like the Gaming Like It’s 1930 jam. #

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Yoooo, this is a quick note on a link that made me go, WTF? Find all past links here.