Here's why:
* Author: The story was written by Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish author who died in 1875.
* Copyright duration: Copyright law in most countries protects works for a limited time after the author's death. In the United States, this period was originally 50 years, but has been extended several times. Regardless, Andersen's work is long past this period and is now in the public domain.
What does public domain mean?
This means:
* Anyone can freely use the story without needing permission or paying royalties.
* You can adapt the story, translate it, perform it, publish it, or use it in any way you wish.
However, be aware of the following:
* Specific illustrations or adaptations may be copyrighted. If you're using a particular version of the story, make sure to check if there are any copyright claims on those elements.
* Moral rights may apply: Although the story is in the public domain, there are certain "moral rights" that may still exist. For example, you should avoid distorting or mutilating the story in a way that is detrimental to Andersen's reputation.
Overall, you are free to use the story of "The Ugly Duckling" in any way you see fit, but it's always good to be aware of potential copyright issues related to specific versions or adaptations.