While one can technically create new stories using the 1960 (Bert Freed) public domain version of Columbo, one cannot use elements introduced in later iterations. Legal precedents like the Sherlock Holmes copyright cases dictate that only the traits established in the expired work are free to use. The iconic traits popularized by Peter Falk in the 1971 NBC series such as his specific portrayal, catchphrases like “just one more thing,” mentions of his unseen wife, and specific later episode plots remain heavily protected under active copyrights owned by Universal. The Peter Falk era episodes will not begin entering the public domain until 2067.