Sunday, January 13, 2008
What is Public Domain?
Public Domain is the body of knowledge where no one can maintain propriety interests. With regards to things such as art, music or innovation these are ideas or concepts which are not covered by patents or copyrights. Works in the public domain can be used by anyone for any purpose.
So in the case of a Shakespearean play for example, it means anyone can perform it, reprint it, modify it or borrow characters or lines from it.
Some items are in the public domain from the moment they are created (works by the US government for example). Others become part of the public domain when patents or copyright expire. Another way items can enter the public domain is for someone to expressly release their rights to a work into the public domain.
So in the case of a Shakespearean play for example, it means anyone can perform it, reprint it, modify it or borrow characters or lines from it.
Some items are in the public domain from the moment they are created (works by the US government for example). Others become part of the public domain when patents or copyright expire. Another way items can enter the public domain is for someone to expressly release their rights to a work into the public domain.
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