Copyright status of work by the U.S. government

Works created by the United States government are typically not subject to copyright protection under U.S. law. This policy stems from Section 105 of the Copyright Law of the United States, which specifies that works produced by federal government employees as part of their official duties are in the public domain. As such, they can be freely reproduced, distributed, and used by the public without permission or payment of royalties.

Scope and Limitations

While works created by government employees are generally not copyrighted, there are important exceptions and limitations to consider:

• Government Contractors: Works created by private citizens or entities under contract with the government are not automatically in the public domain. The copyright status of these works depends on the terms of the contract.
• State and Local Governments: Works produced by state or local governments in the United States are not covered by Section 105 and may be subject to copyright protection.
• Military Insignia: While technically in the public domain, the use of military insignia, decorations, and medals is governed by specific laws and regulations.
• Other Restrictions: Even though a government work might be free of copyright, other legal restrictions, such as trademarks, patents, or privacy rights, may still apply.

Historical Context

The policy that U.S. government works are not subject to copyright has its roots in the democratic principle that the public should have access to the work produced by its government. This principle promotes transparency, accountability, and the free exchange of information.

Implications and Uses

Public domain status means that U.S. government works can be widely used for various purposes, including:

• Education: Educational institutions can use government-produced materials for teaching and research without copyright restrictions.
• Commercial Use: Businesses can use government works in advertisements, products, or other commercial ventures.
• Creative Works: Artists, writers, and filmmakers can incorporate government works into their creations without needing permission or paying royalties.

Notable Examples

Some well-known examples of U.S. government works include:

• NASA photographs and videos of space missions
• Reports and studies produced by government agencies
• United States Geological Survey (USGS) maps
• Congressional records and legislation

International Considerations

While U.S. government works are in the public domain within the United States, their copyright status may differ in other countries. International users should be aware of their local copyright laws before using U.S. government works.

See Also

• Copyright law of the United States
• Public domain
• United States government
• Intellectual property