Godzilla
Giant monster or kaiju
Is Godzilla's image likely grounds for a lawsuit in 2050?
The copyright for Godzilla is owned by Toho Company Limited. The first Godzilla film was released by Toho in 1954. Works that are significantly old enter the public domain and can be used without copyright permission. Godzilla will enter the public domain in the year 2049.
When can a copyrighted item be used without permission? In what year will Godzilla as a creative piece of work attain #1 status? Is #2 after 2050?