
Free US Law Dictionary
BETA
Public Domain
The public domain is a range of abstract materials – commonly referred to as intellectual property – which are not owned or controlled by anyone. The term indicates that these materials are therefore "public property", and available for anyone to use for any purpose. The laws of various countries define the scope of the public domain differently, making it necessary to specify which jurisdiction's public domain is being discussed. Furthermore, the public domain can be defined in contrast to several forms of intellectual property; the public domain in contrast to copyrighted works is different from the public domain in contrast to trademarks or patented works.
The public domain is most often discussed in contrast to works restricted by copyright. Under modern law, most original works of art, literature, music, etc. are covered by copyright from the time of their creation for a limited period of time (which varies by country). When the copyright expires, the work enters the public domain. About 15 percent of all books are in the public domain, including 10 percent of all books that are still in print.[1]
The public domain can also be defined in contrast to trademarks. Names, logos, and other identifying marks used in commerce can be restricted as proprietary trademarks for a single business to use. Trademarks can be maintained indefinitely, but they can also lapse through disuse, negligence, or widespread misuse, and enter the public domain. It is possible, however, for a lapsed trademark to become proprietary again, leaving the public domain.
The public domain also contrasts with patents. New inventions can be registered and granted patents restricting others from using them without permission from the inventor. Like copyrights, patents last for a limited period of time, after which the inventions covered by them enter the public domain and can be used by anyone.
Intellectual property law Primary rights- Copyright
- Patents
- Trademarks
- Industrial design rights
- Utility models
- Geographical indication
- Trade secrets
- Related rights
- Trade names
- Domain names
- Database rights
- Mask work
- Plant breeders' rights
- Supplementary protection certificate
- Indigenous intellectual property
- Criticism
- More…
Payments of public money should be in the public domain
Verona Burgess in today's Australian Financial Review reports that the Federal Auditor General has again drawn attention to the fact that the remuneration of ministers and executive officers are not included in the Government's Consolidated Financial Statements...
Problems with PACER - public must still pay for public domain dox
Although PACER (Public Access to Electronic Court Records) is supposed to provide easy access to court documents, several critics have argued that the fee schedule not only defeats Congressional intent to make such documents available to the public, but is...
CBC on the Public Domain
The CBC focuses on the public domain in Canada and the great work of Wallace McLean.
Me, Myself, and the Public Domain
On the one hand, fantasy sports leagues are slowly confirming their legal right to use names and statistics of professional athletes as part of their businesses, without compensating the players, their teams, or the leagues...
When is it in the public domain?
(Posted by Peter Hirtle) There is an interesting post over at Rich Stim's blog, Dear Rich, on whether Nuremburg Trial transcripts are in the public domain...
If You Put Something into the Public Domain, Can You Take It Out Later?
One of Cincinnati Law's better young gun law profs, Tim Armstrong, has deposited Shrinking the Commons: Termination of Copyright Licenses and Transfers for the Benefit of the Public in SSRN...
I have worked for this employer for only three weeks. The employer makes up his own rules as to what he chooses to report for the purpose of property taxes. He tells me to "let them come after us". He defines Entertain
He arrogantly insists, "let them come after us." Well, if you are invo...
Does a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge a secured mortgage loan?
Yes if you file they cannot sue you to the knowledge I know. My brother is in re...
How to prevent an arrest from appearing in the local newspaper?
Dont know the law in Minnesota but in most jurisdictions an arrest is a matter o...
My situation is somewhat difficult to describe, but about two months ago planes began arriving at an airport near my house and an organized stalking effort began. As I'm driving to and from home, cars will begin encircli
I would like this person 'anonymous' to get in touch with me. Question...
Is there a law against a supervisor publicly humiliating employees?
Yes. This is harrassment and, if things are thrown, it is assault. In this situa...

I have worked for this employer for only three weeks. The employer makes up his own rules as to what he chooses to report for the purpose of property taxes. He tells me to "let them come after us". He defines Entertain
He arrogantly insists, "let them come after us." Well, if you are invo...
Does a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge a secured mortgage loan?
Yes if you file they cannot sue you to the knowledge I know. My brother is in re...
How to prevent an arrest from appearing in the local newspaper?
Dont know the law in Minnesota but in most jurisdictions an arrest is a matter o...
My situation is somewhat difficult to describe, but about two months ago planes began arriving at an airport near my house and an organized stalking effort began. As I'm driving to and from home, cars will begin encircli
I would like this person 'anonymous' to get in touch with me. Question...
Is there a law against a supervisor publicly humiliating employees?
Yes. This is harrassment and, if things are thrown, it is assault. In this situa...















