Communia launches Public Domain Manifesto
The Public Domain as a whole is the wealth of information that is free from the barriers to access or reuse usually associated with copyright protection, either because it is free from any copyright protection or because the right holders have decided to remove these barriers.
The Public Domain ensures that the principles of Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (‘Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.’) can be fully enjoyed by everyone across the world.
In order to increase public awareness about such concepts and potentialities for spreading knowledge and culture, today COMMUNIA, the European Thematic Network on the Digital Public Domain, announced the launch of the Public Domain Manifesto. The document outlines a series of general principles (opening with: the Public Domain is the rule, copyright protection is the exception) along with various issues relevant to today’s Public Domain, and provides some recommendations aimed at protecting the Public Domain and ensuring that it can continue to function in a meaningful way-with particular relevance to education, cultural heritage and scientific research.
The document is available in several languages and includes a list of initial signers (both individuals and organizations). Everyone is encouraged to sign it, to follow Communia’s Facebook page and to spread the word! For more information:
- Public Domain Manifesto website: http://www.publicdomainmanifesto.org
- Public Domain Manifesto Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/The-Public-Domain-Manifesto/448371890304?v=info&ref=ts
- Public Domain Day website: http://www.publicdomainday.org
