1. PUBLIC DOMAIN

2. What is “Public Domain”?
Content that is free and available for the public to use in any way they choose
Can be used without permission.
Essentially, content in the Public Domain are not copyright protected.

3. Types of works that fall under Public Domain
Ideas and facts
Works with expired copyrights
Most U.S. government works
Scientific principles, theorems, mathematical formulae, laws of nature
Scientific and other research methodologies, statistical techniques and educational processes
Laws, regulations, judicial opinions, government documents and legislative reports
Words, names, numbers, symbols, signs, rules of grammar and diction, and punctuation

4. Types of works that fall under Public Domain
Many books, film, images – usually older
Project Gutenberg – Collection of public domain ebooks

5. What are you allowed to do with works in the Public Domain?
Answer: Pretty much anything you like…
A recent trend…public domain mashups

6. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Public Domain Mashups
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

7. Public Domain Mashups
Dracula and Kittens

8. Public Domain Mashups
LOL Cat Bible

9. How does a work become part of the public domain?
Anything published in the U.S. before 1923 is in public domain
The owner or creator of a work can designate a work in the Public Domain

10. Want more information or to update your knowledge on public domain?
Check out my Exploring Public Domain tutorial at Sophia.org