public domain
The state of belonging or being available to the public as a whole, and therefore not subject to copyright.
Works enter the public domain when their copyright expires, if they were never copyrighted, or if the copyright holder explicitly dedicates them to the public domain. They can be freely used by anyone for any purpose.
Word relationships
- common property: A more general term for something owned by everyone, not specifically referring to intellectual works free of copyright.
- unrestricted access: Describes the availability, but 'public domain' specifies the legal status regarding copyright.
- copyrighted: Protected by copyright law.
- proprietary: Owned and controlled by a specific entity, often with restricted access.
Collocations
- enter public domain
- in the public domain
- public domain works
Example sentences
- "Shakespeare's plays are in the public domain, allowing anyone to perform or adapt them without seeking permission." Using classic literature freely.
- "After the copyright expires, a work enters the public domain, becoming a shared cultural resource." Understanding copyright expiration.
Memory hook
It's the `domain` (area) that is `public` (for everyone) to use freely. Everyone's domain.
When not to use
For works that are simply widely available but still under copyright (e.g., a popular song on YouTube is not necessarily in the public domain).
Fun facts
- The length of copyright protection varies by country, but generally, works enter the public domain 50 to 70 years after the creator's death.
Explore more words
copyright, public good, proprietary, license, piracy, royalty
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