What is the public domain?

The public domain is a term used to describe materials that are not protected by copyright and can be used by the general public without permission or payment. This includes works that have expired copyrights, works created by the government, and works with an explicit waiver of copyright. In Washington, all original creative works are protected by copyright law, meaning that the creator of the work has exclusive rights to the material. Copyright protection is automatic and lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years. After that period, the work is part of the public domain and can be used for free by anyone. Public domain works can be used for many purposes, including research, teaching, creating derivative works, or even monetizing the work. Anyone can also make copies of any work in the public domain with no restrictions. However, it is important to note that it is illegal to copy or use works that are still under copyright, even if they are similar to those in the public domain. By understanding the distinctions between the public domain and copyrighted works, individuals can more easily and legally access creative materials. It is important to remember, however, that even works in the public domain should be credited to the rightful creator.

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