Public Domain Lab

Character ยท 1897

Dracula public domain status for creators

Bram Stoker's 1897 novel is the source anchor. Start there, then avoid copying later film-specific designs, dialogue, music, logos, or trademarked presentation.

Safe to start fromUse the 1897 novel as the source anchor.
Watch outLater movie looks, logos, and character designs may be protected.
Source anchorBram Stoker's Dracula
Quick answer

Check Dracula public domain status, the 1897 novel source anchor, safer creator uses, and modern adaptation traps before using the character.

Source-first Reviewed Jul 2026

Authoritative answer

Exact answer

Yes, Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula is public domain in the United States. A later Dracula film, screenplay, performance, recording, or character design has its own rights status.

Scope: United States; Stoker's 1897 novel; reviewed July 31, 2026.

Important boundary: This determination does not clear any unspecified movie version.

Evidence

Best creator uses

Gothic horror, vampire stories, games, posters, classroom material.

Safer source anchors

  • Use the 1897 novel as the source anchor.
  • Build original art, summaries, study guides, or adaptations from the book.
  • Separate Stoker-era traits from later film-specific additions.

Watch-outs

  • Later movie looks, logos, and character designs may be protected.
  • Some jurisdictions have different term rules.
  • Specific modern translations or editions can have separate rights.

Before publishing

Check your jurisdiction, exact edition, trademark context, and whether you are copying a later adaptation. This page is a research aid, not legal advice.