Public Domain Day

[PUB-lick doh-MAYN day] /ˈpʌblɪk də(ʊ)ˈmeɪn deɪ/

Celebrated on 1 January each year, Public Domain Day highlights works that have just entered the public domain, and can now be used and referenced without charge or permission. Works enter the public domain when their copyright expires according to each country's copyright laws. Famously, the Steamboat Willie version of Disney's Mickey Mouse finally entered the Public Domain in 2024, joining other culturally notable works, like the writings of William Shakespeare and the musical compositions of Mozart.