public domain
(PD) The total absence of {copyright} protection. If
something is "in the public domain" then anyone can copy it or
use it in any way they wish. The author has none of the
exclusive rights which apply to a copyright work.
The phrase "public domain" is often used incorrectly to refer
to {freeware} or {shareware} (software which is copyrighted
but is distributed without (advance) payment). Public domain
means no copyright -- no exclusive rights. In fact the phrase
"public domain" has no legal status at all in the UK.
See also {archive site}, {careware}, {charityware},
{copyleft}, {crippleware}, {guiltware}, {postcardware} and
{-ware}. Compare {payware}.