In this article, we covered some of the most common public domain questions. We discussed how to define the public domain, difference between the public domain and forms of intellectual property, how one can make derivative works from the public domain, how to determine when a work enters the public domain, and other rights and issues dealing with the public domain. However, keep in mind that this just covers the very basic issues associated with what constitutes a work within the public domain.

With that said, when a work becomes part of the public domain can be very fact specific and usually will require you to seek advice from a competent attorney or other specialist.