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The Public Domain: How to Find & Use Copyright-free Writings, Music, Art & More
The Public Domain is the definitive guide to the creative works that are not protected by copyright and can be copied freely or otherwise used without paying permission fees. The book explains step-by-step how to recognize when a work is in the public domain. Chapters § writings § music § art § architecture § maps § choreography § photography § film and video § computer software and databases The book also lists hundreds of resources, such as websites, libraries and archives, useful for locating public domain works. Still the only book of its kind, the 3rd edition is completely updated, covering several new copyright cases, as well as additional information about the emergence of the Copyright Commons.
538 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 1, 2022
It's easier to find this kind of music now. Here is a site where you can find copyright free music . We have already taken music for our promotional videos from this site several times. The subscription cost is small, much cheaper than what you were offered for writing the music. There is a short video on the website, which shows all the benefits of using this music. There are also many different categories of music, so it won't be hard to find something specific.
July 19, 2017
So technical that I found it difficult to easily find useful info.
December 10, 2018
The book is very clear and well organized. It's a great resource for non-lawyers like myself, and it comes with a ton of sources to grab public domain materials.
June 9, 2009
An exceptional source of information on what one can use, where one can find it and when to use it. As an author, I often ask myself the question of what type of sources I can cite in my work, how much of them I cite and what I may not know that can come to haunt me because of this lack of knowledge. And it is with great pleasure that I can say 'Public Domain' answered these questions. The book is a detailed guide to the types of materials and their copyright protection to make me feel safe one when I include a particular source in my writings.
I found especially interesting the section on the types of public writings I can use, especially whether the work have been properly published and is eligible for copyright protection, or whether the copyright has expired. Of course, the sections on music, art, photography and software are also very helpful with sufficient detail to make anyone aware of how and when to beware of plagiarizing of ideas.
Additionally, the book gives enough information on the international copyrights to satisfy any ambiguity that may exist in your mind. I highly recommend this book to any author, musician, software developer or architect who is search for answers to some of the most important questions of their work - is my idea unique.
I found especially interesting the section on the types of public writings I can use, especially whether the work have been properly published and is eligible for copyright protection, or whether the copyright has expired. Of course, the sections on music, art, photography and software are also very helpful with sufficient detail to make anyone aware of how and when to beware of plagiarizing of ideas.
Additionally, the book gives enough information on the international copyrights to satisfy any ambiguity that may exist in your mind. I highly recommend this book to any author, musician, software developer or architect who is search for answers to some of the most important questions of their work - is my idea unique.
April 12, 2011
If you are a creative artist who would like to make use of others' prior works, or if you are looking to add content to your website, or throw a big public event, this is a book for you. Especially if you don't have the money or are otherwise loath to spend it on royalties. There is a lot of talk about public domain, especially in the age of internet when online "piracy" seems to be on the rise, and publishers, recording labels and movie studios are making the news every day with a new lawsuit against one company or another concerning the unlawful use of intellectual property. Even if you are not directly affected by this and would just like to know more what constitutes public domain, I would not be able to think of a better place to start than this book. It is extremely well written, researched and documented. Every possible scenario of what would someone want to do with public property is carefully outlined and explained. Most of the explanations are well backed with the real-life court cases. This is a great book for anyone who is even remotely interested in what constitute the public domain.
November 11, 2008
Those looking for quick lists of public domain resources meant for casual perusal and quick consumption will be in for a pleasant surprise. This is not just a guide on where to find public domain materials such as music, photos, and literary works. You will find that information within, but you will find much, much more besides.
Stephen Fishman, an experience attorney in both government and private practice since 1979, provides all of the legal information that many readers might never have known they needed. Fishman goes into great detail about the history of public domain materials, the legalities of usage and ownership regarding such works, the loopholes to look for, and the pitfalls to avoid.
Other books from Nolo have successfully endeavored to communicate legal information to its readers in clear, simple language. The Public Domain achieves this goal as well, and will undoubtedly act as an indispensable reference to anyone seeking out legally obtainable works in the public domain.
Stephen Fishman, an experience attorney in both government and private practice since 1979, provides all of the legal information that many readers might never have known they needed. Fishman goes into great detail about the history of public domain materials, the legalities of usage and ownership regarding such works, the loopholes to look for, and the pitfalls to avoid.
Other books from Nolo have successfully endeavored to communicate legal information to its readers in clear, simple language. The Public Domain achieves this goal as well, and will undoubtedly act as an indispensable reference to anyone seeking out legally obtainable works in the public domain.
January 21, 2009
For anyone interested in learning more about the issues surrounding the Public Domain in the U.S. this guide offers a thorough and easy-to-follow guide to the twists and turns of the copyright law in America. The author is balanced in his handling of the different aspects, but you do sense he falls to the the left. I think the best part of the book is that Fishman explains the law as it exists and then identifies problems and gray areas that could mean trouble. It's good to see a guide to copyright and Public Domain that doesn't just state the law but warns how others have interpreted this law. He also covers trademark and patent law as they might conflict with copyright. Worth reading for a lay audience who are not entrenched in copyright law.
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August 12, 2008Stuart's 550 folks, I'm finding this quite helpful.
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June 29, 2010non-fiction
January 27, 2012
The Public Domain is a thorough list of good advice in case you want to incorporate that kind of content in your profitable business.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews