What is 'Public Domain'?
There is often some confusion around what is in the 'public domain'. It does not simply mean that material is publicly available - most material found online, for example, is very much still in copyright. True public domain is specifically where material is not protected by copyright. This means that you can copy, distribute, display, perform, modify and use public domain works for any purpose, even without attribution.
Creative Commons has two public domain tools:
- Creative Commons Zero (CC0) – where the creator has dedicated the work to the public domain, relinquishing its copyright. This tool has legal backing and functions as a licence in countries where there is no public domain.
- Public Domain Mark (PDM) – the work is not in copyright due to age, function, or for other reasons. This tool, unlike CC0, has no legal backing, and is reliant on correct identification of public domain works by users.
Our guide to public domain tools (PDF) has more information on applying CC0 dedication and using public domain works.
Looking for public domain resources? Check out our page on Free and open resources.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.