Tarzan, the iconic jungle hero created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, has a complex copyright and licensing landscape in the United States. While the original Tarzan of the Apes and many early adventures are now in the public domain, later works, characters, and media elements may still be protected by copyright or trademark. This article explains which Tarzan materials are public domain, how copyright and trademark intersect, and what creators and publishers should know when using Tarzan content in the U.S.
Overview Of Tarzan’s Copyright Status
Copyright in the United States generally lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years, or for corporate works 95 years from publication. Works published before 1929 entered the public domain in 2025, making their text freely usable without permission or licensing. Tarzan of the Apes (1912) was the first Tarzan book and is widely recognized as public domain in the U.S. This status extends to the original novel’s text, which allows reproduction, adaptation, and distribution without obtaining rights from the Burroughs estate for that specific work.
However, the Tarzan franchise includes many later novels and derivative products. Works published after 1928 remain protected for decades. Specific volumes published after 1928 will enter the public domain at their respective 95-year marks (e.g., 1929 titles in 2025, 1930 titles in 2025, etc.). Practical implication: only the earliest Tarzan novels are guaranteed public domain dates, while later titles require licenses or rights management.
Which Tarzan Works Are In The Public Domain
The following points clarify public-domain status by publication year:
- Tarzan Of The Apes (1912) — Public domain in the United States. The novel and its text may be used, distributed, and adapted without permission as of 2025.
- Early sequels (1910s–1920s) — Works published through 1927 or 1928 may be in the public domain depending on exact publication date and renewal status. Some editions may still be under copyright in certain contexts, so verify the specific work.
- Works published in 1929 and later — These titles are not yet public domain in 2025 and will enter the public domain 95 years after publication (e.g., 1929 titles in 2025, 1930 titles in 2025).
- Material by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. and related rights — The Burroughs estate and associated companies hold copyrights and licensing rights that cover adaptations, character use, and derivative works beyond the public-domain texts.
For readers and creators, the practical rule is to treat only the earliest, pre-1929 Tarzan texts as free to use without licensing. If a project involves later Tarzan books, adaptations, or characters beyond the public-domain works, professional rights clearance is advisable.
Trademark And Character Use
Even when a Tarzan book is in the public domain, certain elements—characters, names, logos, and distinctive portrayals—may be protected as trademarks or under brand rights. The term “Tarzan” and various character depictions are commonly used by publishers, film studios, and merchandise companies under trademark protection.
Important implications include:
- Trademark protection may restrict the use of the Tarzan name or likeness in commercial products, especially in branding, marketing, and merchandise that could cause consumer confusion about affiliation with the Burroughs estate or official Tarzan media.
- Studio adaptations (for example, Disney’s Tarzan) may introduce new canonical elements or branding that are separately protected by copyright or trademark, even if the source text is public domain.
- Derivative works that reuse protected trademarks or distinctive character portrayals risk infringement unless they clearly rely on public-domain material or obtain necessary licenses.
Creators should distinguish between using public-domain text and using protected brand elements. When in doubt, consult a trademark professional or legal counsel to assess potential risks and licensing needs.
Practical Implications For Creators And Publishers
Understanding the public domain status of Tarzan affects a range of projects, from publishing reprints to new media.
- Reprinting public-domain texts — Publishers can reprint, distribute, and create new editions of 1912 Tarzan of the Apes and other pre-1929 works without paying royalties, provided the material used is indeed in the public domain and correctly attributed.
- Adaptations and new works — Authors planning to adapt or riff on Tarzan should confirm which source texts are public domain. When incorporating elements from post-1929 Tarzan titles, licensing or permission from the rights holder is generally required.
- Creative projects — Independent creators can use public-domain Tarzan texts for fan fiction, art, and educational materials. However, care should be taken to avoid implying official endorsement or connection with current Tarzan branding.
- Media and merchandising — For films, games, or merchandise, it is essential to distinguish between public-domain content and protected trademarks or media branding. Merchandising often relies on licensed trademarks beyond the public-domain texts.
Best practices include verifying publication dates, consulting reputable sources like the U.S. Copyright Office, and when integrating modern Tarzan elements, securing appropriate licenses or permissions.
How To Verify Public Domain Status For A Tarzan Work
Verification steps can help prevent copyright or trademark issues:
- Check publication year and confirm that the work was published before 1929 and whether it had a renewed copyright beyond that period.
- Consult authoritative databases such as the U.S. Copyright Office Public Domain status listings and library catalogs for publication details.
- Distinguish between text and media — Public-domain status applies to the text; film, artwork, and derivative media may have separate protections.
- Assess trademarks — Search for Tarzan trademarks in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to identify active marks and their scope of use.
When in doubt, legal counsel can provide a definitive determination about public-domain status and potential licensing needs for a specific Tarzan work or use case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tarzan Of The Apes public domain in the United States? Yes, Tarzan Of The Apes (1912) is public domain in the U.S., allowing free use of the text. Other early Tarzan texts may also be public domain, but each work must be verified individually.
Can I publish a new Tarzan novel using the original public-domain text? You can publish the original public-domain text, but avoid incorporating any copyrighted or trademarked elements introduced in later works or films without permission.
Is Tarzan a trademark? The name Tarzan and certain character depictions are protected as trademarks in addition to copyrights, so brand-related uses may require licenses or permissions.
What about Disney’s Tarzan? Disney’s Tarzan is a separate, copyrighted property with its own branding and trademarks. Using Disney’s Tarzan elements requires licenses distinct from public-domain texts.
In summary, the earliest Tarzan work is in the public domain in the United States, making its text freely usable. However, later books, trademarks, and brand elements require careful consideration of copyright and trademark protections. For creators, the key is to leverage public-domain material while respecting trademark boundaries and seeking licenses when necessary to avoid infringement.