Images and Copyright

The Importance of Public Domain

Public Domain works are not protected by copyright law and may therefore be legally used without permission.

A work may enter the public domain when/if:

• Its copyright protection expires
• It fails to meet the requirements for copyright protection
• It predates copyright law
• The author chooses to release it to the public domain

This guide from Cornell University provides an outline for copyright terms and when works may enter the public domain: Copyright Term and the Public Domain in the United States (January 2013).

Just because a work is online and easily accessible does not mean it's in the public domain. Images can still be protected by copyright, even if a creator or © is not clearly stated. That said, true public domain works can be found online.

Digital images are electronic resources that must be used responsibly, and be aware of copyright and ethical use best practices. Most databases and websites provide information about how their images can be used. It is important to read this information carefully and comply with all usage guidelines.  Usage guidelines can vary considerably, so be alert to differences and details.

Images from this guide's sources are available on the open web. You are free to use these images in multimedia projects, websites, blogs, portfolios, etc., that are open and available to the public. You do not need to restrict access to your class or the academic environment when you use these images. However, images should not be sold or used in commercial products or for commercial purposes.

You should always read and comply with the use restrictions for specific image sources and always cite images someone else created.

Websites with Free PD Images for Use