An original work typically enters the public domain under several circumstances, which can vary by jurisdiction. Here are the most common scenarios:
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Expiration of Copyright: In many countries, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus a certain number of years (often 70 years in the U.S. and EU). Once this period expires, the work usually enters the public domain.
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Failure to Renew Copyright: In some cases, particularly for works published before a certain date (e.g., 1978 in the U.S.), if the copyright was not renewed, the work may have entered the public domain.
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Works Created by the U.S. Government: In the U.S., works created by federal government employees as part of their official duties are generally in the public domain.
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Explicit Dedication: An author may choose to dedicate their work to the public domain, waiving all copyright claims.
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Uncopyrightable Works: Some types of works, such as ideas, facts, and government documents, are not eligible for copyright and are automatically in the public domain.
It's important to note that laws regarding copyright can differ significantly from one country to another, so it's advisable to check the specific laws in your jurisdiction.