public domain
Definition
Public domain refers to creative works, inventions, or information that no single person or company owns, meaning anyone can use them freely without asking permission or paying fees. A work enters the public domain when its copyright or patent expires, when the creator intentionally gives up their rights, or when the work was never eligible for protection in the first place.
Example
Shakespeare's plays are in the public domain, so you could print and sell your own edition of Hamlet without paying anyone a licensing fee.
Watch Out
Just because an old work is in the public domain does not mean a modern adaptation or recording of that work is free to use, since those newer versions may have their own copyright protection.
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This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.