Here's why:
* Original publication: The novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (French: Voyage au centre de la Terre) was written by Jules Verne and published in 1864.
* Copyright duration: Copyright terms have varied throughout history, but in most countries, works published before a certain date (typically around the early 20th century) are now in the public domain.
* Public Domain: This means the work is free for anyone to use, copy, adapt, or distribute without permission.
However, it's important to note:
* Adaptations: While the original novel is in the public domain, any specific adaptations or derivative works (like films, plays, or modern translations) may have their own copyright protection.
* Characters and plot elements: Even though the original story is in the public domain, it's possible that individual character names or plot elements might be protected under trademark or copyright law.
If you're planning to use elements from "Journey to the Center of the Earth" in your own creative work, it's always a good idea to do some research to ensure you are not infringing on any existing copyright or trademark claims.