What is a public-domain work?
A public-domain work is a creative work that is not protected by intellectual property law and is free for anyone to use. This could include works such as books, songs, and artwork. In Virginia, any works that were created before 1923 are considered to be in the public domain, meaning that they can be copied, distributed, or modified without permission from the copyright holder. This also applies to works created by the federal government, such as photographs and videos taken by NASA. Additionally, any works that the copyright holder has chosen to dedicate to the public domain are also considered public-domain works. In this case, the copyright holder is expressly allowing anyone to use, modify, or distribute their work without permission or payment. As a result, public-domain works are a valuable source of content for artists, writers, and other creators.
Related FAQs
What is copyright infringement?What is the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)?
How can I determine if a particular work is copyrighted?
What is a copyright registration?
What is trade dress infringement?
What is the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)?
Are there any exceptions to trademark infringement laws?
How long does a patent last?
What is a design patent?
What are the different types of intellectual property?
Related Blog Posts
The Supreme Court’s Role in Intellectual Property Law - July 31, 2023Benefits of Protecting Intellectual Property Rights - August 7, 2023
Understanding Trademark Law Basics - August 14, 2023
What is the Difference Between a Patent, a Trademark and a Copyright? - August 21, 2023
How Can an Intellectual Property Lawyer Help Your Business? - August 28, 2023