Items in the public domain are not protected by intellectual property laws, including copyright, trademark, or patent laws. Public domain belongs to the public – no individual can claim any right to the material, and it can be used by anyone without obtaining permission. There are many different ways in which works can end up in the public domain:

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1. The IP right, including copyright, trademark or other right, has expired

2. The existing IP right owner failed, for example, to renew the IP right, e.g., copyright

3. The work was dedicated to the public domain

4. Copyright law is not applicable to this type of work (example: short phrases, facts and theories, and U.S. government works)

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Copyright law varies from country to country, and a work can be in the public domain in one country, but not necessarily in another, and should be verified by local counsel.

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