Another Reason to Celebrate the New Year for Lovecraft Fans

Under copyright laws in the European Union, virtually all of H.P. Lovecraft's work entered public domain as of January 1st. Unlike the United States, where Lovecraft copyrights have been freed up for decades (despite dubious attempts by Arkham House to claim them), European laws dictate an author's unrenewed copyrighted work becomes public domain seventy years after death. As Lovecraft died in 1937, this marks the first full year European fans will enjoy legal freedom in reading and reprinting HPL's stories.

This development, as in the US, may not have much impact elsewhere in the practical sphere. However, as noted in this discussion on Yog-Sothoth forums, it could catalyze increased use of Lovecraftian themes, beings, and settings in media, particularly video games and films. Additionally, expect to see Lovecraft's works reprinted and translated on a greater scale. Possibly including even more numerous volumes of new Lovecraftian mythos stories. Overall, this opening of copyrights may well increase interest in the author across already lively Lovecraftian communities in Europe.

-Grim Blogger