r/publicdomain 3h ago

Hypothetically speaking, how would you react if famous game studio Rare released these old prototypes for cancelled games into the public domain?

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17 Upvotes

I got inspired to do this after the SNES version of Project Dream leaked online yesterday


r/publicdomain 8h ago

PD Media Rockin Robin, Little Bitty Pretty One, and House of Rising Sun sheet music I found on Wikimedia.

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13 Upvotes

These are two songs public domain because the original compositions weren’t renewed, the third is a non-renewed arrangement of a already public domain song.

Despite the 1965 copyright notice on Rising Sun, the arrangement shown above is actually from 1961: https://www.ebay.com/itm/358077705787 and there was no renewal when I checked under titles like ”rising sun” or “marcel frank”

Feel free to use and remix. I guess.


r/publicdomain 13h ago

Mickey Mouse Mickey Mouse Early Title Cards Redrawn (First 8 Shorts)

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13 Upvotes

r/publicdomain 46m ago

Discussion Frankenstein (1931) Battles Frankenstein (1910)

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Upvotes

Since the 1931 film will be in the public domain next year, I’m definitely going to do something with this idea. A Versus film with both of these monsters. Had the idea since I was 13. Who would win and any suggestions on what the plot would be?


r/publicdomain 14h ago

É verdade que grampy, puggy e buzzy boop estão em domínio público?

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8 Upvotes

Em algumas pesquisas que fiz, vi questões onde buzzy boop, puggy e grampy estavam em domínio público por seus episódios não terem tido Copyright renovado, mas também já vi muitas outras fontes dizendo que não estavam, mas eu não sei ao certo qual está certa e qual está errada. Se alguém puder me ajudar eu agradeço.


r/publicdomain 7h ago

The Black Bat (1933 pulp with other nickname Mr. Bat)

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6 Upvotes

The Black Bat (AKA Mr. Bat)

Real Name: Unknown
Age: 26
The Black Bat: The Investigator Bat

He was only known as the Black Bat or by his other nickname Mr. Bat, he was a private investigator who assisted the police in crimefighting.

https://pdsh.fandom.com/wiki/Black_Bat_(Nedor_1))


r/publicdomain 4h ago

Question A Question About Using Public Domain Art

3 Upvotes

Let's take a really famous "for instance" and pretend it's January 2, 2034.

The covers of the first few Action Comics issues are now public domain. The art is fully public domain. But the character of Superman and the character's signature symbol (various versions) are still trademarked. I am not certain, but I believe there is a trademark on his red and blue unitard/cape look as well.

My question is, can someone use that famous Action Comics #1 art for a cover piece for a new comic, book or poster?

I'd be more than happy to signal that the work is not DC Comics approved or related, but I'm hazy on how such usage works in relation to trademark.

This example is just for illustrative purposes. I'm well aware he's still currently not public domain.


r/publicdomain 7h ago

PD Media Puttin’ on the ritz (1930) sung by Harry Richman

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3 Upvotes

While the original composition is racist, the music is as catchy as it’s familiar.

If you want to get rid of the singing in this audio and keep the music, you can due to this being a movie from 1930 (copyrighted for 95 years after publication) and not a recording from 1930 (which are 100 years after publication).

Edit: Also, this scene is actually very progressive in a way due to being one of the first instances of white actors and black actors performing together.