Public Domain Status

Common copyright trap

Is Sherlock Holmes in the public domain?

Arthur Conan Doyle's original Sherlock Holmes stories are in the United States public domain. New adaptations can protect their own added expression.

Reviewed 2026-09-11. Jurisdiction and edition matter.

Layered answer

Check each right separately

01

Original stories

United States copyright in the final original stories has expired.

02

Adaptations

Film, television, illustration and game versions can add separately protected material.

Sources

Commercial use?

Verify the exact material and intended country with qualified counsel.