Public domain means creative works that are no longer protected by copyright or other exclusive intellectual-property rights, so anyone can use, copy, adapt, or share them without asking permission.

What it includes

  • Old books, music, art, and films whose copyright has expired.
  • Works that were never eligible for copyright protection in the first place, such as some facts, ideas, government works, or very short phrases.
  • Works a creator has intentionally dedicated to the public domain.

What it allows

  • Free copying and redistribution.
  • Remixes, adaptations, translations, and performances.
  • Use in new creative projects without licensing fees, as long as no other rights apply.

Important caution

A work being public domain in one country does not always mean it is public domain everywhere, because copyright rules vary by jurisdiction. Also, a public domain original may still have a copyrighted scan, photo, edition, or recording made from it.

Simple example

If a novel’s copyright has expired, the text is public domain, so you can reprint it or turn it into a new film adaptation without permission.

TL;DR: public domain is the pool of works everyone can freely use because no one holds exclusive rights anymore.