Public ___domain: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 18:24, 5 May 2005

Revision as of 06:38, 6 May 2005

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As we know, theThe '''public ___domain''' comprises the body of all creative works and other [[knowledge]]—[[writing]], artwork, music, science, inventions, and others—in which no person or organization has any [[proprietary]] interest. (Proprietary interest is typically represented by a [[copyright]] or [[patent]].) Such works and inventions are considered part of the [[public]]'s cultural heritage, and anyone can use and build upon them without restriction (not taking into account laws concerning safety, export, etc.).

While copyright was designed to promote the development of arts and sciences by giving a (financial) incentive to the creator, works in the public ___domain just exist as such. The public have the right to use and reuse works in the public ___domain without financial or social burden. When copyright or other restrictions reach the end of their life, works are said to revert to the public ___domain.