Public domain




(PD) The total absence of copyright protection.

If something is "in the public domain" then anyone can copy it or use it in any way they wish.

The author has none of the exclusive rights which apply to a copyright work.

The phrase "public domain" is often used incorrectly to refer to freeware or shareware (software which is copyrighted but is distributed without (advance) payment).

Public domain means no copyright -- no exclusive rights.

In fact the phrase "public domain" has no legal status at all in the UK.

See also archive site, careware, charityware, copyleft, crippleware, guiltware, postcardware and -ware.

Compare payware.





< Previous Terms Terms Containing public domain Next Terms >
PTN
Ptolemy
PTT
PUB
pubic directory
ADDD
BASIC
CMU Common Lisp
Communications Decency Act
copyright
public domain software
public-key cryptography
Public-Key Cryptography Standards
public-key encryption
Public Key Infrastructure