2004 in public domain


When a work's copyright expires, it enters the public domain. The following is a list of works that entered the public domain in 2004. Since laws vary globally, the copyright status of some works are not uniform.

Entered the public domain in countries with life + 70 years

With the exception of Belarus and Spain, a work enters the public domain in Europe 70 years after the creator's death, if it was published during the creator's lifetime. The list is sorted alphabetically and includes a notable work of the creator that entered the public domain on January 1, 2004.
NamesCountryBirthDeathOccupationNotable work
J. M. RobertsonUnited Kingdom

Entered the public domain in countries with life + 50 years

In most countries of Africa and Asia, as well as Belarus, Bolivia, Canada, New Zealand, Egypt and Uruguay; a work enters the public domain 50 years after the creator's death.
NamesCountryBirthDeathOccupationNotable work
RachildeFrance

Entering the public domain in the United States

In the United States, the copyright status of works extends for the life of the author or artists, plus 70 years. If the work is owned by a corporation, then the copyright extends 95 years.
Due to the passing of the Copyright Term Extension Act in 1998, no new works would enter the public domain in this jurisdiction until 2019.