Is it in the public domain?
Free AI-powered US copyright research for films and music. Built for filmmakers, archivists, musicians, and educators.
A research project by SHOTGUN LAW™
Two tools. One mission.
Check the US copyright status of any motion picture. AI analysis covers publication year, renewal history, and the statutory rule applied.
Check sound recordings and compositions under the Music Modernization Act. Metadata via MusicBrainz; audio via Archive.org.
How US public-domain status works
US copyright term depends on publication date, renewal status, and the medium. Both tools apply the same statutory framework, adapted for film vs. sound recordings.
Read the full frameworkA complete copyright dossier
AI Legal Reasoning
A written analysis of publication, the rule applied, renewal history, and relevant precedents.
Cited Sources
Statutory rules and metadata sources supporting each determination, so you can verify independently.
Orphan Work Detection
When a rights holder can't be located, the report flags orphan-work status and recommends counsel.
Legal AI Tool for the Common Man
PublicDomain.FYI is a public research resource tool for the creative community. Tally-Ho. Let's go!
Visit SHOTGUN LAW™Frequently asked questions
What does it mean for a work to be in the public domain?
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A public-domain work is no longer protected by US copyright. Anyone may copy, distribute, perform, or adapt it without permission or royalties.
How do I check if a film is in the public domain?
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Use our films tool at film.publicdomain.fyi. Enter any title (and optionally a year) and receive an AI-powered analysis citing publication date, renewal records, and the statutory rule applied.
How do I check if a song or recording is in the public domain?
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Use our music tool at music.publicdomain.fyi. It applies the Music Modernization Act framework to sound recordings and copyright term rules to compositions.
When do songs enter the public domain in the US?
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Compositions follow standard copyright term rules (life + 70, or 95 years for works for hire). Sound recordings follow the Music Modernization Act: pre-1923 recordings are public domain; recordings from 1923–1946 enter the public domain 100 years after publication.
What is an orphan work?
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A film or recording still under copyright whose rights holder cannot be identified or located. Orphan works are NOT public domain — using them without permission still carries legal risk.
Is this legal advice?
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No. PublicDomain.FYI is an AI-powered research portal built by SHOTGUN LAW™. It is NOT a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Always consult a qualified copyright attorney before commercial use.