The term “public domain” stems from the word “public”, which should bring to mind “people” – that means, everyone. When something is said to be “public domain”, it means that thing belongs to everyone, therefore it’s FREE.
Public domain refers to anything that the people can freely use. If you can stay at a place without being accused of trespassing or loitering, then that place is considered public domain. These places could be community parks, playgrounds, unprotected natural land or wilderness areas, and buildings and structures like shopping malls or downtown squares.Public domain also refers to creative works. Legally, this means intellectual property, or anything that results from the creative genius of a person. This includes books, movies, art works, paintings, music, images, photographs, trademarks, and more.
Of course, creative works are normally protected by copyright laws. However, copyright protection is not forever and copyright can expire. Some copyrights were not applied on the particular body of intellectual property in the first place (i.e., works that were created before 1989). As a result of this, intellectual property that is not covered by copyright laws belongs to the public domain and is open to everyone who deems to use it.
As Public Domain works are free, these works are often ideal for building a niche business – particularly on the Internet.
So is it as easy finding a piece of work, deciding you like it and using it. It could be – you just have to be sure that the piece of work is in the Public Domain. There are a number of rules about what consitutes a Public Domain item:
RULE #1: Works published in the United States before 1923 are considered public domain.
RULE #2: Works created after March 1, 1989, even if not published, are copyright protected for 70 years after the author’s death. Works made for hire (corporate authorship) after March 1, 1989 are copyright protected for 120 years from creation or 95 years from publication, whichever is sooner.
RULE #3: Works published in the United States between 1923 and March 1, 1989 are also copyright protected, provided that the formalities are observed.
Essentially, it is fairly easy to find Public Domain work online, just time consuming and, you do have to make sure that the piece of work is truly in the Public Domain.
How do you find this information out? I use Public Domain Prowler Research & Management Software. This software incorporates all the tools you need to find public domain works and to assist you to create your own profitable derivative products.
Can you use Public Domain works to build your online business? Absolutely.
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