Public domain
From The Glossary of Digital Photography
Items that are no longer covered by copyright. These can include creative works, such as photographs, art, writing, computer software, and music. The change of status from copyrighted to public domain can happen because the copyright has expired, such as in the case of Shakespeare's plays. Additionally, the work may not be copyrightable, such as lists of words or work created for the government, or the creator may have abandoned the copyright by expressly placing the work into the public domain. When a work becomes public domain, others may freely use and reproduce the work without permission of the creator.
