Determining which military parades video sequances are in the public domain depends on several factors, including the country of origin, the date of creation, and the copyright laws applicable to the footage.
Here’s a breakdown of military parades that are likely to be in the public domain as of 2023:
1. Soviet-Era Military Parades (Pre-1991)
- Victory Day Parades (1945–1991):
Footage from the early Victory Day Parades (e.g., 1945) is likely in the public domain in many countries, as it was created by the Soviet government, which no longer exists, and the footage is over 70 years old.- Example: The 1945 Victory Day Parade in Moscow, celebrating the end of World War II.
- October Revolution Parades (1918–1990):
Parades held before 1953 (e.g., during Lenin’s or Stalin’s era) are likely in the public domain due to their age and the fact that they were created by the Soviet government.- Example: Parades from the 1920s–1940s.
- May Day Parades (Early Soviet Period):
Early May Day Parades (e.g., 1920s–1940s) are likely in the public domain for the same reasons as above.
2. World War II-Era Parades (1939–1945)
- Military parades from WWII, including those held by Allied nations (e.g., the US, UK, and USSR), are often in the public domain due to their age and government ownership.
- Example: The 1941 Red Square Parade during the Battle of Moscow, where troops marched directly to the front lines.
3. Early 20th Century Parades (Pre-1927)
- In the United States, works published before 1927 are generally in the public domain. This includes military parades filmed during this time.
- Example: Parades from World War I (1914–1918) or earlier.
4. Government-Produced Footage (Public Domain by Default)
- In many countries, government-produced footage is considered public domain. For example:
- US Military Parades: Footage produced by the US Department of Defense or other federal agencies is typically in the public domain.
- Soviet Military Parades: Footage produced by the Soviet government before 1991 may also be public domain, depending on the country’s copyright laws.
5. Parades with Expired Copyrights
- In most countries, copyright expires 70 years after the death of the creator or 50–70 years after publication for anonymous works. For example:
- Parades filmed before 1953 are likely in the public domain in many jurisdictions.
Notable Public Domain Military Parades
- 1945 Victory Day Parade (Moscow): Celebrating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.
- 1941 Red Square Parade: Held during the Battle of Moscow.
- 1917 October Revolution Parades: Early Soviet-era parades.
- WWI Victory Parades (1918–1919): Held by Allied nations after World War I.
- Early May Day Parades (1920s–1930s): Celebrating International Workers’ Day in the USSR.
