Copyright Information: Public Domain

If a work is in the public domain, that means it is not protected by laws concerning copyright or intellectual property. The public at large owns the work; anyone can use and distribute the work without permission.

How does a work become public domain?

1. The copyright expires.
2. The copyright did not attach the proper notice.
3. The copyright holder did not renew or failed to do so properly.
4. The copyright holder allows the work to be in public domain.
5. The work is not covered by copyright law.

Check the copyright status of works published in the United States using the Digital Copyright Slider 2022 Michael Brewer & The ALA Office for Information Technology Policy   cc by-nc-sa 4.0CC