Top 10 Things That Will Enter the Public Domain by 2040

The public domain is a place where things are free from the evil clutches of copyright. But with 2040 being 20 years away, I think it's time to discuss things that'll enter into the public domain by 2040.

For something to be on this list, it has to have been made earlier than 1945. So if anything was produced before then, it's fair game! Let's go!

The Top Ten

Winnie the Pooh (2022)

Winnie the Pooh is a character based on A. A. Milne and E. H. Shepard's Winnie-the-Pooh stories. The Disney media franchise began in 1966 with the theatrical release of the short Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree. The character has since become a beloved figure in children's literature and animation... read more
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (2035)
Woody Woodpecker (2036)

Woody Woodpecker is an anthropomorphic animated woodpecker who debuted in theatrical short films produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by Universal Pictures. His design was inspired by the acorn woodpecker, while his appearance also resembles the pileated woodpecker. Woody became one of... read more
Mickey Mouse (2024)

Mickey Mouse is a funny animal cartoon character and the official mascot of The Walt Disney Company. He was created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks at the Walt Disney Studio in 1928.
The first cartoon featuring Mickey Mouse was the iconic "Steamboat Willie," released later that same year. Mickey... read more

Here's something interesting: Disney is one of those companies that treats copyright as a shield for protection. But little do they know that their mascot, Mickey Mouse, will become free to use in 2024. Well, at least the first incarnation made by Disney himself will. That's going to be a serious jab at Disney because once this happens, there's no way of regaining the copyrights for him as no one will own him again. I mean, look, Mickey's cousin Oswald the Lucky Rabbit is set to arrive in 2023, and Disney's doing nothing about it.

I feel like a better comparison here is Pete. From a modern perspective, Pete's much more important to Disney than Oswald is (the fact that Disney never lost the rights to Pete helps things), and yet Pete entered the public domain last year with no issues.
Bugs Bunny (2034)

Bugs Bunny is an animated cartoon character created by the staff of Leon Schlesinger Productions, which later became Warner Bros. Cartoons. He is one of the most iconic and recognizable cartoon characters, known for his appearances in the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series. His signature phrase... read more

Taking the silver slot, we have Mickey's mortal rival Bugs Bunny. Bugs Bunny made his first debut in 1938 as the mascot of Warner Bros. But unlike Mickey Mouse, there are already a few shorts starring him in the public domain. I'm pretty sure that, unlike Disney, Warner Bros. won't have a hissy fit when this happens.

The name of the character will still be copyrighted until 2037 (as it was created in 1941).
Babar the Elephant (2027)

Babar is another children's book series that will become copyright-free in a few years. Babar made his debut in 1931, exactly three years after Mickey took the spotlight. So, if we do the math, Babar will become free to the public in 2027.
Madeline (2035)

Next up on the chopping block, we have Madeline. Unlike the previous two entries, this is actually a children's book revolving around the misadventures of a French girl. The book was first published in 1939 and will become uncopyrighted in 2035. This wasn't the first time an iconic kids' book did this, as Winnie the Pooh entered the public domain just recently (in 2022, actually).
The 20th Century Fox Logo (2031)

20th Century Studios is an American film studio and a subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios, a division of The Walt Disney Company. The studio is based in Los Angeles and was known as 20th Century Fox before being renamed in 2020, following Disney's acquisition of most of 21st Century Fox's assets on March... read more

Now we're on to another thing that was sadly taken away by the clutches of Disney. This logo, specifically its first version from 1935 and its variants used until 1993, will go copyright-free.

I would love to see what they do in the future!
Tom and Jerry (2036)

Tom and Jerry is an American animated series of comedy short films created in 1940 by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. It is best known for its 161 theatrical shorts produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, which feature the comedic rivalry between Tom, a cat, and Jerry, a mouse.... read more

Now we're on to an iconic show. Tom and Jerry were first introduced to both kids and adults alike in 1940. As such, they'll enter the public domain in 2036.
Monopoly (2031)

Have you ever feared going to jail because of Monopoly? Well, once 2031 hits, you won't have to worry about it at all. Like the previously mentioned 20th Century Fox logo, Monopoly was first copyrighted in 1935. Hence, it will break free from copyright in 2031.

The Newcomers

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Porky Pig (2031)

Porky Pig is an animated cartoon character in the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons. He is known for his signature stutter and his iconic closing line, Th-th-th-that's all, folks! Porky first appeared in 1935 and became one of the studio's most recognizable characters.
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Daffy Duck (2033)

Daffy Duck is an animated cartoon character produced by Warner Bros. Styled as an anthropomorphic black duck, he has appeared in cartoon series such as Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies. Daffy is often portrayed as a friend, foil, and occasional rival of Bugs Bunny.

The Contenders

King Kong (2029)

King Kong is a giant ape-like monster that first appeared in the 1933 film King Kong. The character quickly became a cultural icon and has been featured in various films, television shows, and merchandise. The original film was widely acclaimed during its initial release and continues to be celebrated... read more
DuMont Television Network (2038)

Next up on the chopping block, we have this super obscure network that tried to compete with the big boys: ABC, NBC, and CBS (NBC in particular is turning 100 in 2026). The DuMont Network was short-lived, only existing from 1942 until 1956. Most of its affiliates went on to become famous TV networks (one even being KTLA, a station famous for its news). Most of the DuMont Library will be free to use in 2038.
Superman (2034)

Superman is a fictional comic book character and arguably the first powerful superhero of the modern era. The character was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, who were high school students in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1933. Superman first appeared in Action Comics #1, published by National... read more

And finally, we have oh, another 2034er I see. Superman made his debut in 1938 (in a comic book) as DC Comics' mascot and the first thing we saw in Action Comics #1. Much like Bugs Bunny, Superman will enter the public domain in 2034.
Buck Rogers (2023)
Batman (2035)
The Jazz Singer (2023)

Now we're on to The Jazz Singer, which was the first film to have voice acting! Released by Warner Bros. in 1927, The Jazz Singer will go copyright-free in 2023. Wow, come to think of it, movies have come a long way since this came out in 1927.
Gone with the Wind (2035)
The Wizard of Oz (2035)
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit (2023)

Before Mickey Mouse, Oswald was the first character because he was created in 1927.
Snow White (2033)

Snow White is a fictional character from Disney's first full-length animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released in 1937. She is Disney's first official Disney Princess. Snow White is also the only Disney Princess to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Dumbo (2037)
Donald Duck (2030)

Donald Duck is a cartoon character created in 1934 by Walt Disney Productions. He is an anthropomorphic white duck with a yellow-orange bill, legs, and feet. He is typically depicted wearing a sailor shirt and cap, along with a bow tie, and is known for his short temper and comedic adventures.
Goofy (2028)

Goofy is a cartoon character created by Walt Disney Productions in 1932. He is a tall, anthropomorphic black dog with a Southern accent.
His usual outfit includes a turtleneck, vest, pants, shoes, white gloves, and a tall hat originally styled as a rumpled fedora. Goofy is a close friend of Mickey... read more
Modern Times (2032)
Bambi (2022)

Bambi is the title character in Felix Salten's 1923 novel Bambi, a Life in the Woods and its sequel, Bambi's Children. He is also the central character in the 1942 Walt Disney animated film Bambi. The character has appeared in other productions and remains a classic symbol of innocence and nature.