Betty Boop and Pluto enter public domain, opening use in video games and media

Early versions of the cartoon characters Betty Boop and Pluto have officially entered the public domain, allowing creators to use them freely in video games, films and other creative projects without licensing restrictions.

As of January 1 2026, the original depictions of both characters are no longer protected under United States copyright law.

The change follows the standard 95-year copyright term applied to works first published in 1930, the year in which both characters made their earliest appearances.

For Betty Boop, the public domain material includes her debut in Fleischer Studios’ 1930 cartoon Dizzy Dishes.

These early portrayals reflect her original design and personality, which differ in appearance and tone from later versions of the character that remain under copyright protection. Only these initial depictions can be used freely by creators.

Pluto’s public domain status applies to his earliest appearances from 1930, when he appeared as a dog companion in early Disney animated shorts.

Subsequent developments to Pluto’s design, character traits and branding introduced in later productions are still protected and cannot be used without permission.

The shift allows game developers and other creators to incorporate these early versions into commercial projects, including video games, animations and comics.

Characters may be reimagined as playable figures, non-player characters or narrative elements, provided their designs and attributes are clearly based on the public domain material.

Creators must avoid using elements introduced in later works, such as modernised character designs, established storylines or branding closely associated with Disney or Fleischer Studios’ later output.

The move follows a similar development in 2024, when the Steamboat Willie version of Mickey Mouse entered the public domain.

That transition led to renewed interest in adapting early cartoon characters across films and games, using only the material that has legally entered the public domain.