Work Details
Key dates:
• Pre-1928: always public domain
• 1928-1977: 28 years + 67 years renewal = 95 years
• 1978+: life + 70 years (individual) or 95 years (corporate)
• Sonny Bono Act 1998 extended terms
Status
✓ public domain
Work year:1928
Expires:2023
Rule applied:
Term of 95 years expired
Renewed works from 1928 protected for 95 years. Now in the public domain.
✓ You may:
- Reproduce
- Distribute
- Modify
- Sell
⏰ Works entering public domain in 2026
Works from 1930 (95 years ago) entered the US public domain on January 1, 2026. Notable: The Glass Key (Dashiell Hammett), various Hollywood films, music by Gershwin, Rodgers & Hart.
Data Source & Legal Disclaimer
Effective: U.S. copyright law
⚠️ This tool estimates U.S. public-domain status based on publication date and general rules (works published before 1929, U.S. government works, etc.). It is NOT legal advice. Many edge cases exist (renewals, foreign works, restored copyrights, sound recordings). For any commercial or important use, consult a qualified copyright attorney. All calculation runs locally; no data is uploaded.