The Universal film that fixed the monster's look: flat head, neck bolts, Karloff's lumbering walk. The film and that 1931 design are free in the US.
| Where | Status |
|---|---|
| United States | Free from 1 January 2027 |
Limits
Universal holds trademarks around its monsters and later films (Bride of Frankenstein, 1935) stay protected until their own dates. Karloff's likeness may carry publicity rights. Mary Shelley's 1818 novel was always free.
Ideas
Halloween merch and art using the 1931 design, remakes, comics, games, film restorations and screenings.
Sources
Checked 31 October 2026. Report a correction.
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General information, not legal advice. Copyright, patent and trademark status differs by country, edition and translation: check before you publish or sell. Full disclaimer