FAQ: What is public domain?

Public Domain

Some works are not subject to copyright law because they are in the public domain. Works that are part of the public domain can be used by others without copyright clearance or any further fair use analysis.

How Do Works Enter the Public Domain?

In general, works can enter the public domain if they are assigned to the public domain by their creators or, more commonly, if the copyright on them has expired. Copyright expires on works after a certain period of time. The timeframe to apply depends upon the specific work and the circumstances surrounding its creation. However, in general, works published before 1923 are part of the public domain, other works will pass into the public domain seventy years after the author has died, and, in the case of anonymous works or works drafted by a corporation, copyright will run 95 years from the date of publication or 120 years from the date of creation, whichever is shorter.

How Can You Check?

A couple helpfuls tool to aid in determining if a work is in the public domain include:

• Interactive Copyright Tools This link opens in a new window: A collection of interactive copyright decision-making tools from the Copyright Advisory Network of the American Library Association. Use the tabs at the top of the site to access tools that guide users through copyright considerations related to fair use, the public domain, Section 108, and classroom use.
• Chart from Stanford, Copyright Term and the Public Domain in the United States This link opens in a new window by Peter Hirtle

More Information 

View our Copyright Guide for more information on copyright and the public domain. 

Disclaimer

SNHU has provided the resources on this page to help individuals learn more about copyright laws and issues. However, SNHU cannot be responsible for the accuracy or completeness of third party links. This page is intended to be educational in nature and is not meant to constitute legal advice.