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Copyright

Formerly called Intellectual Property Guide. Info on copyright, public domain, and exceptions such as fair use and face-to-face instruction. Have questions? Chat or text the library at (731) 503 - 4874

Public Domain

If a work is in the public domain, that means you do not need any permissions or copyright exceptions to use it freely.  Works in the public domain include:

  • The copyright term has expired
  • Works so old they were never under copyright
  • Copyright was improperly renewed 
  • The author has waived all copyright restrictions
  • Publication by a government agency
  • Laws that have been enacted by a local, state, or federal government 
  • Works not subject to copyright or other intellectual property protections (patent, trademark). For example, ideas themselves cannot be copyrighted, just their expression on a page.

 

If it meets one of the following criteria, it is most likely in the public domain:

  • Works published in or before 1923
  • Works published prior to 1964 where copyright was not renewed (renewal was a requirement until 1978)
  • Works published prior to March 1, 1989 that do not include a proper copyright notice (the (c) symbol)
  • Facts or ideas (although the specific way these facts or ideas are written down is subject to copyright)

 

If you're ever unsure, ask a librarian for help!

Public Domain Resources and Examples