When Will The Chronicles of Narnia Enter the Public Domain?

The question of when The Chronicles of Narnia will enter the public domain has been a topic of much debate and confusion. For C.S. Lewis's iconic series, the path to the public domain is governed by copyright laws that can vary widely depending on the country and the specific book in question.

The Depressing Truth

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the first in the series, is not scheduled to enter the public domain in the United States until 2045. The rest of the books, published with varying years, will follow suit:

Publication Dates and Public Domain Status

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1950) - enters public domain in 2045 Prince Caspian (1951) - enters public domain in 2046 The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952) - enters public domain in 2047 The Silver Chair (1953) - enters public domain in 2048 The Horse and His Boy (1954) - enters public domain in 2049 The Magician's Nephew (1955) - enters public domain in 2050 The Last Battle (1956) - enters public domain in 2051

These dates vary because the U.S. copyright law stipulates that books enter the public domain 70 years after the author's death. However, for works first published outside the U.S., the period can be up to 95 years from the date of publication.

Copyright Term and the Public Domain in the United States

A detailed explanation of these dates can be found in the Copyright Term and the Public Domain in the United States$1 site maintained by Cornell University. This site clearly outlines that the books were published between 1925 and 1977, and were published in compliance with all U.S. formalities, thereby holding copyright until 95 years after the date of publication.

International Differences and Disney's Influence

Some mistakenly believe that the books are in the public domain in the U.S. because they're available for adaptation in Canada, where they have entered the public domain. However, the laws defining the public domain in Canada and the U.S. do not align. Similarly, the assumption that the books would enter the public domain worldwide in 2033 (70 years after Lewis's death) is incorrect. The U.S. law, influenced by legislation like the 1998 “Mickey Mouse” Protection Act, dictates a different timeline.

The U.S. is likely to hold onto the books longer than their country of origin. This peculiar situation can be attributed to legislation spearheaded by corporations like Disney, rather than any benevolent intentions.

Trademarks and Narnian Wonders

Adding to the complexity, the Narnia books have also been trademarked. Trademarks can be renewed indefinitely, which means they can exist in perpetuity. This development has led to further legal and financial hurdles for those wishing to freely adapt or reuse the materials.

As a fan and aspiring adapter of The Chronicles of Narnia, my dream is to be alive when Narnia is free to all. Here's a countdown of the anticipated dates:

Countdown to Public Domain

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: 2045 Prince Caspian: 2046 The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: 2047 The Silver Chair: 2048 The Horse and His Boy: 2049 The Magician's Nephew: 2050 The Last Battle: 2051

For now, the magic of Narnia remains tightly regulated by U.S. copyright laws, and fans like me can only dream of the day when the White Witch is vanquished and Narnia is free to everyone.

Original source: Aliyun Blog