What is the public domain?

The public domain refers to a body of works that are not protected under copyright law. These works are typically in the public realm, meaning they can be used or distributed without permission or payment to the copyright holder. This includes works that are in the public domain by law, such as those produced by the federal government, and works whose copyright has expired or been abandoned by their creators. In California, works with a copyright that was created before January 1, 1923, are considered to be in the public domain. This includes works like books, music, or artwork that are at least 95 years old, as well as works produced by the federal, state, and local governments. As they are not subject to copyright restrictions, these works can be used freely in any way one sees fit, such as being published commercially or shared online. Anyone can use these works without needing to ask permission or pay a fee. The public domain is an incredibly valuable resource, and is a great way to share knowledge and creativity.

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