Copyright: The Public Domain

How?

Material can enter the Public Domain in two ways:

• The author dedicates it to the Public Domain, or
• The copyright has expired.

Once the content enters the Public Domain, anyone can use it freely without needing permission.

When copyright expires?

Copyright protection is not permanent; it apply only for a specific period. Under UK Copyright Law, the duration of copyright protection varies depending on the type of content:

• Written, dramatic, musical, and artistic works: 70 years after the author's death (or the last surviving author in the case of collective works)
• Sound and music recordings: 70 years from the date of first publication
• Films: 70 years after the death of the director, screenplay author, and composer (or the last surviving author in the case of collective works)
• Broadcasts: 50 years from the date of first broadcast
• Layout of published editions of written, dramatic, or musical works: 25 years from the date of first publication

Once the copyright period expires, the content enters the Public Domain, allowing anyone to use it freely without needing permission. However, it's important to note that copyright durations can vary by jurisdiction. For example, in the UK, it would be unlawful to link to a resource that has entered the Public Domain in the United States if the copyright duration is shorter there, as this would breach the copyright of the rights holders in the UK.