Public Domain
/ˈpʌblɪk dəˈmeɪn/
Definitions
- (n.) The status of creative works or inventions not protected by intellectual property rights and thus freely available for public use.
Once the patent expired, the invention entered the public domain and anyone could use it.
- (n.) Property interest in land or resources held by the government for public use rather than private ownership.
The parkland is part of the public domain and cannot be sold to private individuals.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term applies primarily in intellectual property law but also in property law regarding government-owned land; clarity in context is essential.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.