Trap library
The answer is often layered
Originals, translations, recordings, adaptations, trademarks and access terms can produce different answers.
Happy Birthday to You free to use
The familiar song is generally treated as public domain in the United States. A particular recording or arrangement can still carry separate rights.
Is it free?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.
Is it free?Mickey Mouse free to use
The expression in the 1928 film Steamboat Willie is in the United States public domain. Later character designs and trademark uses are separate questions.
Is it free?Peter Pan free to use in the United Kingdom
Ordinary United Kingdom copyright in J. M. Barrie's play has expired. A perpetual statutory royalty can still be payable to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Is it free?Winnie-the-Pooh free to use
The text and illustrations in the 1926 United States edition are in the United States public domain. Later Disney designs and additions are not part of that answer.
Is it free?The Great Gatsby free to use
The 1925 novel is in the United States public domain. Later editions, translations, annotations, cover art and adaptations can have separate rights.
Is it free?Are photographs of public domain paintings free to use
The painting and the photograph are separate layers. A faithful photograph may lack copyright in some places, but museum terms, database rights and national law can still matter.
Is it free?Are United States government works free to use
Works prepared by United States federal employees as part of their official duties are generally not protected by United States copyright. State, local, contractor and foreign rights require separate checks.
Is it free?a work free because it is online
No. Free access is not the same as public domain status or a reuse licence.
Is it free?the King James Bible free to use in the United Kingdom
Its ordinary copyright term is not the whole story in the United Kingdom. Crown-controlled printing rights can still restrict authorized publication there.
Is it free?Night of the Living Dead free to use
The original 1968 United States film is widely treated as public domain because its released prints lacked the required notice. Music and later versions can still carry separate rights.
Is it free?It's a Wonderful Life free to use
The film's lapsed renewal did not clear every layer. Rights in the underlying story and music have supported continued control of many uses.