Q: I found this (image, song, text) I'd like to use on the Internet. It's freely available there, does it mean it's in the public domain?
A: No. Just because a work is freely available to view, read, or listen to on the web does NOT mean it is in the public domain. You need to verify the copyright status of the work on the Internet. If it is under copyright, consider whether or not your use would be a fair use or covered by Section 110 (1) or the TEACH act; if you cannot claim those exceptions, you will need to seek permission of the copyright owner.
Q: What other kinds of laws or restrictions might there be on my use of a public domain work?
A: Good question! Yes, there are other laws or restrictions that you need to keep in mind before using a public domain work.
Q: Why might I need to pay in order to access certain public domain materials?
A: Although the content of a public domain work may be free to reproduce, distribute, display, or perform, the physical material is still owned by someone (art museums, individual collectors, libraries, private institutions or individuals).
Q: Are works created in foreign countries subject to the same copyright durations as those in the U.S.? What works created outside of the U.S. are in the public domain?
A: Great question! This library guide mainly focuses on materials created within the United States. Peter Hirtle's Copyright Term and Public Domain in the United States also addresses the basics of copyright durations of foreign works. Be sure to look under the heading, "Works First Published Outside the U.S. by Foreign Nationals or U.S. Citizens Living Abroad." International treaties that the U.S. has signed with other countries can also have a bearing on copyright durations. For further information on international copyright issues, please see the U.S. Copyright Office's International Copyright Relations of the United States, Circular 38.
Q: Are there any sound recordings in the public domain?
A: Generally, no. The earliest year that sound recordings will enter the public domain will be in 2067. Please see the tab, "Is it a Public Domain Work?" for further information.
Q: Are state government documents in the public domain?
A: This will depend on the laws of the state and/or the respective state government entity which created the document you'd like to use. You must double check these state laws to be sure. It is best to contact the government entity that created the document to learn more about its usage rights.
Q: If I use a Creative Commons Licensed work, does that mean that I can use it in any way I want?
A: No. You need to check the kind of license that is attached to the work to see what uses are allowed.
Q: I would like to do a project using a Creative Commons licensed image (or other material) and it does not allow derivative works. What can I do?
A: If your project will involve changing the work in some way and the CC license forbids it, then you will need to either choose a different work that allows derivative works, or ask the author for permission to create a derivative work.
Q: I'm writing a book for a major publisher and would like to incorporate a Creative Commons licensed image (or other material) which does not allow commercial uses. What can I do?
A: You will either need to use a different work that allows commercial uses or ask the author for permission to use the work in a commercial manner.
* Michael C. Donaldson further discusses these potential problem areas in his 2008 publication, Clearance and Copyright: Everything You Need to Know for Film and Television (Los Angeles: Silman-James Press.) Although this book is geared towards the film and television industry, his descriptions could apply to uses for many kinds of projects.
This guide on using public domain materials, Creative Commons licensed materials, and copyright law is provided for informational purposes only. I am not a lawyer and cannot provide legal advice. None of what you read in this tutorial should be construed as legal advice. Should you require legal advice, please contact an attorney.
This guide is based on a guide orginally created by Tammy Ravas, Visual and Performing Arts Librarian and Media Coordinator of the Mansfield Library at the The University of Montana. All errors are, of course, my own.