Can I use works in the public domain?

Yes, you can use works in the public domain. In California, copyright law states that works in the public domain are not protected by copyright and are available to the public to use and reproduce without permission from the copyright holder. This means that, in most cases, you can use works in the public domain without the need to seek out and obtain permission from the original creator of the work. Examples of works in the public domain in California include works created before 1923, works for which the copyright was not renewed, and works published by the federal government. Keep in mind, however, that works in the public domain may still be subject to laws prohibiting the use of certain words, names, or symbols. Before using any work in the public domain, it is important to double-check to make sure that your use does not violate any applicable laws.

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