How do I check if something is public domain?

Enter the year a movie, song, or book was published to see if its copyright has expired.

How do I check if something is public domain?

Enter the year a movie, song, or book was published to see if its copyright has expired.

©️

US Copyright Public Domain

Is this work public domain? Enter the publication year and get an instant answer.

US COPYRIGHT95-year rule1928-2026Author typeDMCA notice

Publication Year

Author Type

Was it published in the US?Was copyright renewed in year 28?

Key dates:
• Pre-1928: always public domain
• 1928-1977: 28+67 years renewal = 95 years
• 1978+: life + 70 years (individual) or 95 years (corporate)

Enter work details and click Check to see results

Data Source & Legal Disclaimer

Effective: U.S. copyright law

Sources: U.S. Copyright Office — Public Domain · Cornell University — Public Domain Chart

⚠️ This tool estimates U.S. public-domain status based on publication date and general rules. It is NOT legal advice. Many edge cases exist. For any commercial or important use, consult a qualified copyright attorney. All calculation runs locally; no data is uploaded.

Joke of the Day

Jul 28

What do you call a shoe made from a banana peel?

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