Subscribe
shutterstock-158243672-web
Photo: ostill / Shutterstock.com
17 June 2014Copyright

Court confirms Sherlock Holmes is in public domain

A US appeals court has reaffirmed an earlier ruling that the popular Sherlock Holmes stories are in the public domain and his character may be used without permission from right holders.

Already registered?

Login to your account

To request a FREE 2-week trial subscription, please signup.
NOTE - this can take up to 48hrs to be approved.

Two Weeks Free Trial

For multi-user price options, or to check if your company has an existing subscription that we can add you to for FREE, please email Adrian Tapping at atapping@newtonmedia.co.uk


More on this story

Copyright
Sherlock Holmes copyright dispute resolved
6 January 2014   The organisation which manages copyright protection for the Sherlock Holmes stories has been told authors may be able to use the character in future works without permission.
Copyright
Author seeks Sherlock Holmes copyright removal
19 February 2013   A US author has asked a court to wipe any existing copyright protection over fictional crime detective Sherlock Holmes, 83 years after his creator’s death.


Editor's picks

Stability attacks Getty’s ‘confected’ case in closing arguments
Artificial Intelligence
Stability attacks Getty’s ‘confected’ case in closing arguments
3 July 2025

Editor's picks

Artificial Intelligence
Stability attacks Getty’s ‘confected’ case in closing arguments
3 July 2025
Trademarks
Ferrari wins Testarossa classic car case at EU court
2 July 2025
Patents
‘We created law’: G1/24 and the creation of the ‘diamond standard’
1 July 2025
Patents
A step too far? Why Stewart’s approach is dividing opinion
20 June 2025
AI
What is an ‘AI training declaration’ and who might need one?
20 June 2025
Future of IP
‘Sad beige’ lawsuit shows how hard it is for influencers to stand out
20 June 2025

More articles

Stability attacks Getty’s ‘confected’ case in closing arguments
‘Once is good enough’: Getty closing arguments rely on scant evidence
Tech litigators join Hogan Lovells’ Paris practice from A&O Shearman
Getty v Stability AI: Five takeaways from the courtroom so far
Getty drops primary copyright claims against Stability AI
Defending the realm: How a key MoD supplier crafts its IP strategy
How IP firms can champion LGBTQ+ staff beyond Pride 2025
A step too far? Why Stewart’s approach is dividing opinion