Is tarzan a free domain?
Asked by: Tess Ebert | Last update: February 12, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (58 votes)
Tarzan is a tricky case: the early books are in the public domain (meaning you can use those stories), but the name "Tarzan" and recognizable elements are still protected trademarks by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. (ERB), so you generally can't use the name commercially without licensing it, though you can adapt stories from public domain works if you avoid trademarked elements like the name and iconic depictions.
Is Tarzan in public domain?
As of 2026, the first thirteen books, through Tarzan at the Earth's Core, are in the public domain worldwide. The later works are still under copyright in the United States.
Is Disney allowed to use Tarzan?
Actually the main reason why Disney hasn't brought this up is mostly because due to them not having the rights of Tarzan anymore, it's pretty much one if the reasons why this show hasn't been added to Disney+ yet unless if Disney works out something.
Is the name Tarzan trademarked?
In the language of the Mangani, or great apes, Tarzan means "white–skin". Though the copyright on Tarzan of the Apes has expired in the United States and in other countries, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. claims the name "Tarzan" as a trademark.
Why was Tarzan banned in Germany?
Tarzan and His Mate was banned in Germany by the National Socialist Party on the grounds that it depicted a Nordic man in 'primitive' surroundings, but was otherwise a huge international success.
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Why doesn't Disney use Tarzan anymore?
Disney can't use Tarzan as prominently because they don't own the core character rights; the Edgar Rice Burroughs estate does, leading to licensing issues, particularly with using characters in games like Kingdom Hearts or on Disney+. While Disney owns its specific Tarzan film's adaptation, the estate is litigious, causing hesitation to use the property, even though parts of the original books are now public domain, creating complex trademark vs. copyright situations.
Is it legal to sing Erika in German?
You can technically play the song "Erika" in Germany, but it's highly sensitive; while the song itself isn't outright banned, its strong association with the Nazi era means public performance or singing could be seen as promoting hate speech, potentially leading to legal issues under Germany's strict laws against extremist symbols and propaganda (Volksverhetzung). It's best avoided in public spaces due to its historical context as a Wehrmacht marching song.
What will enter the public domain in 2026?
In 2026, works from 1930 entered the U.S. public domain, including classic books like William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying, Agatha Christie's Murder at the Vicarage, and the first four Nancy Drew novels, Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon, and literary hits like The Little Engine That Could; films such as the Marx Brothers' Animal Crackers and All Quiet on the Western Front; early characters like the first version of Betty Boop (from Dizzy Dishes) and Disney's "Rover" (later Pluto); iconic songs including "Georgia on My Mind," "Dream a Little Dream of Me," and Gershwin tunes like "I Got Rhythm"; and art by Mondrian and the original FIFA World Cup trophy.
Can I still use a name if it is trademarked?
You can use a trademarked name, but only if it doesn't create consumer confusion in the same or a related industry, often under "fair use" (reviews, commentary) or for different goods/services (e.g., "Apple" computers vs. "Apple" plumbing), but direct use for similar products requires permission and carries significant legal risk, so it's best to avoid it or get legal advice.
What movie almost bankrupted Disney?
The movie that nearly ruined Disney Animation was The Black Cauldron (1985), a dark fantasy that bombed financially, suffered massive production issues, and almost led executives to close the animation department, only for it to be saved by The Little Mermaid (1989) and the subsequent Disney Renaissance.
Why is there no Tarzan at Disney?
Disney can't use Tarzan as prominently because they don't own the core character rights; the Edgar Rice Burroughs estate does, leading to licensing issues, particularly with using characters in games like Kingdom Hearts or on Disney+. While Disney owns its specific Tarzan film's adaptation, the estate is litigious, causing hesitation to use the property, even though parts of the original books are now public domain, creating complex trademark vs. copyright situations.
Are Anna and Elsa related to Rapunzel and Tarzan?
The connection between 'The Little Mermaid', 'Frozen', 'Tarzan', and Tangled' Prince Eric from the Little Mermaid is the brother to Anna and Elsa from frozen, and Tarzan, and they're all cousins to Repunzel from Tangled.
What cartoons are no longer copyrighted?
Many early cartoons, especially those from the 1920s and 1930s, are in the public domain, meaning their copyrights have expired, including certain Popeye shorts, early Betty Boop (like Minnie the Moocher), some Felix the Cat, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, and early Mickey Mouse (Steamboat Willie). These works are free for anyone to use, but it's crucial to check specific versions, as later iterations or modern remakes remain copyrighted.
What characters will be public domain in 2025?
In 2025, key characters entering the U.S. public domain (from works published in 1929) include the original Popeye the Sailor (from comics), Tintin, and Buck Rogers, alongside classic literature like Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms and Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury, opening up these figures and stories for free adaptation, though later versions (like popular cartoons) remain protected.
Is the Tarzan yell copyrighted?
The sound itself is a registered trademark and service mark, owned by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.
Are 100 year old photos public domain?
Lexy DeGraffenreid Just a qualifier: Published photos (and anything else, except sound recordings which have their own rules) that are 95 years old are public domain. Unpublished materials have copyright for the life of the creator plus 75 years, or for 120 years for corporate works.
Is Betty Boop public domain?
Yes, the original, dog-like version of Betty Boop from the 1930 cartoon "Dizzy Dishes" entered the public domain on January 1, 2026, but the fully developed, human-like Betty Boop character remains protected by copyright and trademark law, with later versions becoming public domain over time as their copyrights expire. This means you can freely use the early, dog-eared Betty, but using the modern, humanized version requires permission due to ongoing intellectual property rights held by Fleischer Studios.
Why can't Disney use Tarzan?
Disney can't use Tarzan as prominently because they don't own the core character rights; the Edgar Rice Burroughs estate does, leading to licensing issues, particularly with using characters in games like Kingdom Hearts or on Disney+. While Disney owns its specific Tarzan film's adaptation, the estate is litigious, causing hesitation to use the property, even though parts of the original books are now public domain, creating complex trademark vs. copyright situations.
Is Tarzan copyrighted?
Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. currently owns the trademark on the name. For info on dealing with trademarks, see our FAQ. On January 1st 2024, the original Tarzan comic strips published in 1928 entered the public domain.
Is Hulu 100% owned by Disney?
In November 2023, Disney announced that it would acquire the remainder of Comcast's stake in the entertainment business. In mid-2025, Disney bought out the remaining one-third stake in Hulu from Comcast and now has complete control of the streaming company.
What country singer just butchered the national anthem?
The "bad" country singer national anthem most people refer to is Ingrid Andress, who went viral for a widely criticized performance at the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby, later admitting she was drunk and subsequently entering rehab for alcohol abuse. Other instances of poor anthem performances by singers, including country artists, have also drawn ire over the years, with some legendary artists like Chris Stapleton acknowledging the difficulty, but Andress's incident garnered significant attention for its perceived poor quality and her candid admission.
What are the deeper meanings in "Erika"?
The name Erika is of Scandinavian and Germanic origin, derived from the Old Norse name 'Eiríkr' (Eric) with the feminine suffix added. Its etymology can be traced to the elements 'ei' meaning 'ever' or 'eternal' and 'ríkr' meaning 'ruler' or 'mighty,' thus conveying the meaning of 'eternal ruler' or 'ever powerful.
Is it illegal to sing Deutschland Uber alles?
Since the Reunification of Germany in 1991, only the third stanza was reconfirmed as the national anthem. It is discouraged, although not illegal, to perform the first stanza (or to some degree, the second), due to the perceived association with the Nazi regime.