The public domain is the treasure trove of material that is not subject to any copyright and is therefore free for all to copy, share, and reuse for any lawful purpose. It includes not only creative works that are not subject to copyright, but also aspects of copyrighted works–such as the facts and ideas they communicate, or elements of style and genre they embody–that are basic building blocks of knowledge and creativity, free for all to use.
Copyrights were never meant to last forever, and copyright has always recognized that facts and ideas are part of our shared culture. The public domain is a vital part of a balanced copyright system that allows creativity and innovation to flourish. Every expansion of copyright is by definition an encroachment on the public domain.
Re:Create supports a vibrant public domain because it…
- Fosters creativity by providing a library of works that new generations of creators can freely adapt and expand upon.
- Safeguards free expression by ensuring the basic building blocks of knowledge and creativity are free for all to use.
- Preserves access to cultural heritage by empowering anyone to copy and share public domain works, whereas excess copyright keeps works disappeared.
- Supports education by providing a trove of free material to educators and students for inclusion in lesson plans, textbooks, and projects without fear of licensing cost.
- Encourages economic growth by providing a trove of expressive works that are free to use for any purpose, removing legal uncertainty and licensing costs that would otherwise deter investment in new projects.