A joint event held by the Internet Archive and Creative Commons, titled “A Grand Re-Opening of the Public Domain” is set to take place on January 25, 2019. The celebration is in light of a large number of works now entering the public domain. This follows the Copyright Term Extension Act of 1998, which was enacted in the USA for the purpose of extending the protection of copyright law.

Different works were provided different extensions, but in effect the earliest any work would return back to the public domain would only be 2019 – as of January 1, 2019 this has now become a reality. Almost 20 years after the enactment of the law the wheels of the public domain have started to move. One of the hallmarks of copyright laws is the public domain, where work that has benefited its author eventually returned back to the public domain so that it can be enjoyed universally.

The event is scheduled to have keynote speakers, panels, and interactive sessions highlighting the importance of the public domain.