Current Status of Winnie the Pooh Copyright

The beloved character Winnie the Pooh, created in the early 20th century, has captivated the hearts of generations. However, the copyright status of the various aspects of the character can be quite complex. This article aims to clarify the current status of Winnie the Pooh, focusing on the copyright implications of Arthur A. Milne's literary works and E.H. Shepard's illustrations.

Copyright and A.A. Milne's Literary Works

A.A. Milne's literary works remain protected by copyright in the UK and most of Europe until the year 2026. According to copyright law, works enter the public domain 70 years after the author's death. Milne passed away in 1956, thus giving his works a protection period of 70 years. As the 70-year window closes in 2026, this suggests that the literary works of A.A. Milne, including the poems and stories, can be freely reproduced and used in creative works following this date.

Copyright and E.H. Shepard's Illustrations

It is important to note that E.H. Shepard, who created the iconic illustrations for Winnie the Pooh, did not pass away until 1976. As a result, his illustrations are under copyright until 2026 in countries with a 50-year copyright term and until 2046 in the UK and other 70-year countries. Therefore, while the text of A.A. Milne can be used commercially from 2026 onwards in countries with a 70-year term, Shepard's illustrations remain protected until 2027 in 70-year countries and until 2047 in 50-year countries.

US Copyright Law and Winnie the Pooh

The copyright laws in the United States have a different timeline. For works first published in the US before January 1, 1978, the copyright term is 70 years after the author's death. However, if the work was published between January 1, 1923, and December 31, 1963, the copyright term is 95 years from the first publication date. Since the original Winnie the Pooh books were published in 1926, they have been under copyright protection for over 95 years. This indicates that while the first Winnie the Pooh book can now be considered public domain, The House at Pooh Corner, published in 1928, remains under copyright protection until 2023.

Actors and Commercials

A notable example of how this copyright status can affect commercial use is the recent advertising campaign. In 2022, actor Ryan Reynolds used Winnie the Pooh and his friends in a promotional ad for his Mint Mobile phone service. Interestingly, this usage was possible because the copyright on the original works has expired in the US, and the famous Disney characters are still protected by various registrations, which have not yet expired. This highlights the complex interplay between different copyright laws and the commercial potential of heritage characters.

Conclusion

The copyright status of Winnie the Pooh is a case study in the intricacies of intellectual property laws. As authors and illustrators have passed away, their works have entered the public domain, allowing for new creative interpretations and uses. However, the copyright status of E.H. Shepard's illustrations means that careful attention must be paid to the timelines in different regions. For US-based projects, the copyright on the original works has expired, offering a unique opportunity for commercial and creative use. For other regions, the situation is more complex and requires adherence to local copyright laws.

As a result, it's important for anyone working on projects involving Winnie the Pooh to understand the legal landscape of copyright and public domain to avoid infringement. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring that future works are both legal and innovative.