COPYRIGHTED CHARACTERS THAT ENTERED IN PUBLIC DOMAIN OR ARE ABOUT TO ENTER THE PUBLIC DOMAIN IN FUTURE

Introduction:

Navigating the world of intellectual property, copyrights, and public domain can be a fascinating journey for creators and enthusiasts alike. In this overview, we delve into the realm of characters that have either entered the public domain or are on the verge of doing so, providing a glimpse into the opportunities and limitations for creative use. From timeless classics like "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" to iconic superheroes like Superman and Batman, each character carries a unique story, legal status, and estimated revenue. Understanding the intricacies of these characters' copyright status can serve as a valuable guide for those looking to explore, reimagine, or incorporate them into their creative works. Let's embark on a journey through literary and pop culture history to explore the fascinating world of characters and their evolving copyright landscapes.

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1.      Alice's Adventures in Wonderland:

"Created in 1865 by Lewis Carroll, the book "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" entered the public domain in the US in 1954. It tells the story of Alice, a curious girl who falls down a rabbit hole and discovers a whimsical world of talking animals, eccentric tea parties, and nonsensical riddles. The iconic illustrations by John Tenniel bring the story to life. You are allowed to use the text and illustrations from the original book, but it is advised to avoid Disney's interpretation. Based on book sales, successful film adaptations, extensive merchandise, and diverse revenue streams, it is estimated that the franchise has a potential range of $3 to $7 billion. An image is available."

2.      Rapunzel, Snow White, and Cinderella:

These beloved fairy tales were created by the Brothers Grimm in the 1800s and entered the public domain in 1954 in the US. Experience the classic versions of Rapunzel, Snow White, and Cinderella, where Rapunzel escapes her tower with a prince, Snow White wakes up from a poisoned apple with a true love's kiss, and Cinderella finds her happily ever after with a magical pumpkin. To stay true to the original versions, it's best to avoid Disney's retellings. Additionally, the estimated revenue for these three fairy tales combined ranges from $6 billion to $9 billion. An image is available.

3.      The Lone Ranger:

The Lone Ranger is a fictional character created by Fran Striker in 1933, originally for radio. He is a masked man who rides his trusty horse, Silver, through the Wild West, fighting for justice. His iconic catchphrase, "Hi-yo Silver!" can be heard echoing through the canyons. The character entered the public domain in the US in 1983, which allows use of the character concept and story elements. However, the name "Lone Ranger" and specific trademarked imagery require permission for use. The estimated revenue for The Lone Ranger franchise is between $385 million to $515 million. An image is available.

 4.      Tarzan of the Apes:

Tarzan is a fictional character that was created by Edgar Rice Burroughs in 1912. The original novel is now in the public domain in the US since 1966. The story is about a man who was raised by apes in the jungle and is known for his incredible agility as he swings through the trees. Tarzan is always on a mission to protect his animal friends and fight against villains.

It's important to remember that while the original novel is in the public domain, any film adaptations, like the Disney version, maintain separate copyrights and cannot be directly replicated for commercial purposes.

The estimated revenue for the Tarzan franchise is quite vast, ranging from $775 million to $1.075 billion. An image is available

5.      Peter Pan:

Created by J.M. Barrie in 1904 as a play, "Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up". The book will enter the public domain in the US in 2024, but the play will remain under copyright until 2034. The story follows a boy who never ages and takes Wendy, John, and Michael Darling to Neverland, a magical land where they encounter fairies, pirates, and the menacing crocodile Tick-Tock. Peter Pan's tale is filled with exciting adventures and touching reflections on childhood and death, making it a timeless classic. While you are free to use elements from the original novel, it's important to avoid the play or Disney's adaptations without permission. The estimated revenue of Peter Pan ranges from $3.2 billion to $6.2 billion. An image is available

6.      Mickey Mouse:

Created in 1928 by Walt Disney, the iconic mouse with the oversized ears first appeared in the animated short "Steamboat Willie". He became Disney's mascot and a global pop culture phenomenon with his playful personality and mischievous grin, endearing him to generations.

In the US, the original black and white version of "Steamboat Willie" will become public domain in 2024, but any later iterations, including color versions and modern interpretations, will remain protected by trademarks and require licensing from Disney.

While the potential estimate for Mickey's total revenue could range anywhere from $70 billion to $90 billion, the use of the original Steamboat Willie version in the public domain allows for free use, but any later versions require licensing from Disney. An image is available.

7.      Winnie the Pooh:

Created by A.A. Milne in 1926, Winnie-the-Pooh first appeared in a children's book. The original book is now in the public domain in the US since January 1, 2022. However, the copyright and trademark protection still applies to later sequels, illustrations, and the iconic red shirt Winnie. While the core character of "silly old bear" from the original book is open for creative exploration, later iterations and illustrations remain under protection. It is estimated that Winnie the Pooh's total revenue could range anywhere from $50 billion to $60 billion. An image is available.

8.      Sherlock Holmes:

Created in 1887 by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the character of Sherlock Holmes first appeared in "The Strand Magazine". Some of the stories published before 1923 are now in the public domain in the US as of January 1, 2023. However, later works and adaptations are still protected by copyright laws.

Crafters can utilize the original Doyle stories, but should avoid using later adaptations like Enola Holmes without permission. Sherlock Holmes remains a literary icon, recognizable by his deerstalker hat and magnifying glass.

It's estimated that the total revenue generated by the Sherlock Holmes franchise ranges anywhere from $4 billion to $6 billion. An image is available

Characters that will be entering into the public domain soon:

9.      Superman:

“Superman" was created in 1938 by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. While his story is not yet in the public domain, it is estimated that it will enter the public domain in the US in 2033, 70 years after the death of the last surviving author. As a character, Superman has captured the hearts of many with his superhuman abilities and unwavering dedication to justice. His story holds great potential for future creative exploration. Over the years, the estimated revenue generated from the Superman franchise has been between $20 billion to $25 billion. An image is available.

10.  Batman:

Created in 1939 by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, Batman is a popular comic book hero known for his gritty adventures in Gotham City. The copyright for Batman is held by DC Comics, which means that any use of the character in commercial settings without permission would be considered copyright infringement. The estimated revenue from Batman-related merchandise and content ranges from $30 billion to $40 billion. It's important to note that Batman is still under copyright and is unlikely to enter the public domain before 2034, which is 70 years after the death of the last surviving author. An image is available.

11.  James Bond:

James Bond is a fictional character created by Ian Fleming in 1953. The film rights to the character are owned by Eon Productions, while the literary rights are currently in dispute. It is likely that the copyright will last until at least 2034, which is 70 years after Fleming's death. Using James Bond in your work without permission from the relevant rights holders would be illegal. The franchise has an estimated revenue of $20 billion to $25 billion. An image is available.

12.  Captain America:

Captain America is a patriotic superhero who was created in 1941 by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. The character is now owned by Marvel Entertainment, which is a subsidiary of Disney. It is unlikely that Captain America will enter the public domain before 2036, which is 70 years after the death of the last surviving author. Therefore, it is important to note that using Captain America in your work without obtaining permission from Marvel would be considered copyright infringement. Captain America has become a beloved icon and has estimated revenue of $20 billion to $25 billion. An image is available.

Conclusion:

Characters, whether in the public domain or not, greatly influence creative possibilities and commercial potential. Classic tales like Alice in Wonderland and Snow White generate estimated revenues of up to $9 billion. Tarzan and The Lone Ranger, now in the public domain, provide opportunities for creative reinterpretation, with estimated revenues ranging from $385 million to $1.075 billion. Characters like Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh have elements that are freely usable, but adaptations and trademarked features require careful consideration, with estimated revenues ranging from $50 billion to $90 billion. Iconic characters like Superman, Batman, James Bond, and Captain America are poised to enter the public domain in the coming years, offering new possibilities for creative exploration. Understanding the legal nuances surrounding these characters is crucial for creators seeking to tap into their vast potential.

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