In the United States, specific works published in 1930 entered the public domain on January 1, 2026. They include the first four Nancy Drew books, the early Betty Boop precursor in the cartoon Dizzy Dishes, and an early appearance of the character later known as Pluto, then called Rover. That does not make every later version of these characters, their names, or related branding free to use.
What entered the U.S. public domain in 2026?
The change concerns particular works published in 1930, not characters in every form or every work associated with them. Duke Law’s Center for the Study of the Public Domain says thousands of works published that year entered the U.S. public domain on January 1, 2026. Yale Library’s January 2026 roundup and Associated Press reporting also identify the early works below.
| 1930 material | What the sources identify | Important boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Dizzy Dishes | A cartoon featuring a precursor of Betty Boop. | The entry concerns this early cartoon and depiction, not automatically the later, fully developed Betty Boop character or its branding. |
| First four Nancy Drew books | The original 1930 books, beginning with The Secret of the Old Clock. AP identifies Mildred Benson as the writer who used the Carolyn Keene pseudonym. | The original books are distinct from later books, adaptations, and new material added to modern editions. |
| Early appearance of Pluto | The early version appeared as Rover; the familiar Pluto name came later. | The identified entry is the early 1930 appearance, not every later depiction or work featuring Pluto. |
These are U.S. copyright conclusions tied to the identified 1930 material. Copyright terms and public-domain status can differ by country, so the U.S. date should not be assumed to settle rights elsewhere.
Is Betty Boop public domain in 2026?
The careful answer is that the 1930 cartoon Dizzy Dishes, and its early Betty Boop precursor, are identified as entering the U.S. public domain—not that every version of Betty Boop is public domain. The distinction matters because the character evolved beyond that early appearance.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Mark Fleischer, Chairman and CEO of Fleischer Studios, describes Dizzy Dishes as featuring “a precursor of the BETTY BOOP character.” He also says the copyright in the cartoon “may fall into the public domain in 2026,” while asserting that the fully developed character in subsequent cartoons and other uses remains protected. These are statements by the rights holder, not an independent court ruling on the scope of the rights.
Can you use Betty Boop commercially?
Public-domain status for the particular U.S. cartoon means that its copyright is no longer a barrier to reuse in the United States. It is not a blanket clearance to use later Betty Boop material, the character name, or branding. Fleischer Studios asserts that the BETTY BOOP name and related character designs are its trademarks, used for goods, services, and licensed merchandise.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
For a commercial project, identify exactly what you plan to reproduce or adapt. Using material from the 1930 cartoon is a different rights question from using a later design, the name as branding, or imagery that could suggest an official product or endorsement. The available sources do not decide whether any particular proposed use is cleared.
Are the first Nancy Drew books public domain?
The first four Nancy Drew books, published in 1930, are among the works identified as entering the U.S. public domain on January 1, 2026. The first is The Secret of the Old Clock. AP identifies Mildred Benson as the author who wrote under the Carolyn Keene pseudonym.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
A new story or adaptation based on the original public-domain books is not the same thing as reusing later Nancy Drew books or adaptations. Nor should a modern edition be treated as if every element in it necessarily comes from the 1930 work: later additions may involve separate rights. Check the specific text and edition you intend to use.
Why was Pluto called Rover?
The early 1930 appearance identified in the public-domain listings used the name Rover. The sources distinguish that early version from the familiar character called Pluto later. The public-domain claim here is about the identified early work and appearance, not every later Pluto cartoon or depiction.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
How to assess a planned reuse
Before publishing, adapting, or selling something based on one of these entries, work through the relevant rights questions separately:
- Pin down the source. Identify the exact cartoon, book, image, or edition—not just the character name.
- Check the version and date. Separate original 1930 material from later depictions, adaptations, and additions.
- Confirm the jurisdiction. The January 1, 2026 entry described here is for the United States; do not assume the same status elsewhere.
- Look for other rights. A public-domain work does not by itself resolve trademark or other claims involving a name, logo, design, or product branding.
- Assess the presentation. Consider whether the proposed use could imply an official connection or endorsement, especially in commercial branding.
This is a framework for identifying the relevant questions, not a clearance opinion for a particular project.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
