public domain

USAGE SUMMARY

"public domain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something (usually works such as writing, music, or art) that are not protected by intellectual property rights and can be freely used or distributed. For example, you might say "The clip art images on this website are in the public domain and can be used without limitation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's in the public domain.

Independent

This is public property and public domain.

The New York Times

This information is in the public domain.

The New Yorker

It's all license or public domain.

The New York Times

It belongs in the public domain.

Independent

The island reverted to the public domain.

The New Yorker

Put them in the public domain".

The New York Times

"It should be in the public domain".

The New York Times

Public domain does not apply to Rembrandt.

The New York Times - Arts

After that, they are public domain.

The New York Times - Arts

It's not in the public domain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing intellectual property, clarify whether a work is truly in the "public domain" or merely available under a Creative Commons license, as the latter still involves some restrictions.

Common error

Avoid assuming that any use of copyrighted material is permissible under "fair use". "Fair use" is a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the rights holders for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research, it's very different than works in the "public domain" which can be used for any purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "public domain" functions primarily as a noun, often used as a subject or object in sentences. It describes a legal status where intellectual property rights no longer apply, as Ludwig AI confirms. For example, "This book is in the "public domain"." The phrase can also act as an adjective, modifying another noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "public domain" refers to works or inventions whose intellectual property rights have expired or been forfeited. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It indicates unrestricted access and usage, commonly found across news, scientific publications, and formal business contexts. While Creative Commons licenses offer specific usage permissions granted by copyright holders, "public domain" signifies the absence of such restrictions. Remember to differentiate "public domain" from fair use, ensuring clear understanding of usage rights. Be sure to check copyright laws in the jurisdiction relevant to usage, because simply publishing online does not automatically place content in the "public domain".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

copyright-free

Specifically refers to the absence of copyright protection.

not copyrighted

A straightforward statement indicating the lack of copyright.

freely available

Highlights the availability of something without cost or restriction.

publicly accessible

Focuses on the accessibility of information or resources to the general public.

royalty-free

Indicates that no royalties need to be paid for the use of the material.

unrestricted access

Focuses on the ability to access information or materials without limitations.

unrestricted use

Highlights the lack of limitations on how something can be used.

in the commons

Emphasizes the idea of shared resources available to all.

open source

Often used in the context of software or code, implying freely available and modifiable resources.

free for all

An informal way of saying there are no restrictions on access or use.

FAQs

How do I determine if a work is in the "public domain"?

Generally, works enter the "public domain" due to the expiration of copyright, forfeiture, or inapplicability. Copyright laws vary by country, so check the copyright status in the relevant jurisdiction. Resources like the Stanford Copyright and Fair Use Center can provide guidance.

What's the difference between "public domain" and Creative Commons licenses?

"Public domain" means no one owns the work and it can be used without permission. Creative Commons licenses, however, are granted by the copyright holder and specify how the work can be used. They are not the same as something being in the "public domain".

Can I use material in the "public domain" for commercial purposes?

Yes, because works in the "public domain" are not protected by copyright, you are generally free to use them for any purpose, including commercial use, without needing permission or paying royalties. This is a key distinction from copyrighted material used under license.

Are works published online automatically in the "public domain"?

No, simply publishing a work online does not automatically place it in the "public domain". Copyright protection is automatic in many countries. Unless the author explicitly states the work is in the "public domain" or it's an old enough work where the copyright has expired, it is likely protected by copyright.