This year, some works were public domain that is, they were released for use after a long term. In addition to the first version of the sailor Popeye the young man’s first comic strips Tintin also fell into the public domain this year.
When a work enters this condition, anyone can use it freely, without the need for authorization or payment of patrimonial rights to the author’s heirs. This allows works to be published, adapted or commercialized, encouraging their circulation and reinvention.
In an interview with CNN Fábio Pereira, partner in the Intellectual Property area at Veirano Advogados, the entry of a work into the public domain varies according to the legislation of each country. In Brazil, the Copyright Law (Law No. 9,610/1998) establishes that works enter the public domain 70 years after the author’s death counted from January 1st of the year following the death.
In the United States, for example, the rules vary depending on the date of publication. For works published after 1978, the deadline is similar to that in Brazil: 70 years after the author’s death. However, for works published before 1978, a special rule applies: they enter the public domain 95 years after the date of their publication like the animations mentioned above.
According to the expert, copyright laws “aim to encourage artistic, literary and scientific creation, financially protecting the author and his heirs for a determined period”. Pereira also adds that “this transition allows classic works to be reinterpreted, adapted and used in new ways, keeping them alive and relevant for future generations”.
However, the expert warns that even with the release of use, there are some rules and the author’s moral rights remain protected. In Brazil, the Copyright Law ensures that the author has his or her authorship recognized and that his or her work is not modified to harm his or her honor or reputation.
For example, when using a poem by Carlos Drummond de Andrade, even in the public domain, it is mandatory to give credit to him as the author. In the United States, although moral rights are less broad, certain visual works still receive special protection against harmful modifications, depending on the circumstances.
Check out works that entered the public domain in 2025
Popeye
The first story about the sailor Popeye, published in 1929 by the American cartoonist Elzie Crisler Segar, entered the public domain in 2025. However, elements of the character developed later, such as the association with spinach (introduced in 1932), will only become the domain public in the following years.
Olivia Palito, Popeye’s girlfriend, was created in 1919, so she has been in the public domain since 2015.
Tintin
The young reporter Tintin and his faithful dog Snowy appeared for the first time in January 10, 1929in Le Petit Vingtième a children’s supplement to the newspaper Le Vingtième Siècle. Due to its release 95 years ago, the work is also available in the public domain.
Later the cast was expanded with the addition of Captain Haddock among other colorful characters such as Dupond and Dupont , Professor Sunflower and Bianca Castafiore.
Oswald de Andrade
As mentioned above, in Brazil, the rule is different. As the death of Brazilian poet and writer Oswald de Andrade turns 70 in 2025, his works such as “Manifesto Antropófilo” and “Manifesto da Poesia Pau-Brasil” enter the public domain.
Virginia Woolf
This year, the essay “A Teto Todo Seu” by English writer Virginia Woolf also entered the public domain. Released in 1929, the work respects the rule and upon completing 95 years, it becomes available for reproduction.
Disney characters that have already been adapted
Last year, one of the versions of Mickey Mouse entered the public domain, as the first films where the famous mouse appeared – “Steamer Willie” and the silent version of Plane Crazy – were made in 1928.
With the release, the traditional Disney character was cast as a killer in the horror film “Mickey’s Mouse Trap”.
Other Disney characters, such as Bambi and Winnie the Pooh, came into public domain in 2022 and have also won horror productions. In 2026, it will be the dog Pluto’s turn to enter the public domain.
This content was originally published in Popeye and more: see works that enter the public domain in 2025 on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
I’m Robert Neff, a professional writer and editor. I specialize in the entertainment section, providing up-to-date coverage on the latest developments in film, television and music. My work has been featured on World Stock Market and other prominent publications.
