Creative Commons - User contributions [en]

Frequently Asked Questions

2015-01-02T18:52:21Z

Kat Walsh: edit to reflect new title

__NOTOC__
These FAQs are designed to provide a better understanding of Creative Commons, our licenses, and our other legal and technical tools. They provide basic information, sometimes about fairly complex topics, and will often link to more detailed information.

* Other CC FAQs: [[CC0_FAQ|CC0 Public Domain Dedication]] and [[PDM_FAQ|Public Domain Mark]].
* "Licensor", "rights holder", "owner", and "creator" may be used interchangeably to refer to the person or entity applying a CC license.
* Information about the licenses is primarily made with reference to the 4.0 suite, but earlier [[License_Versions|license versions]] are mentioned where they differ.
* Have a question that isn't answered here? Contact info@creativecommons.org.

{{Infobox|
'''Creative Commons does not provide legal advice.''' This FAQ is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for legal advice. It may not cover important issues that affect you. You should consult with your own lawyer if you have questions.|}}

==Questions==

===Most Frequently Asked Questions===

#[[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_other_tools.2C_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F|Can Creative Commons give legal advice about its licenses or other tools, or help with CC license enforcement?]]
#[[#Who_gives_permission_to_use_material_offered_under_Creative_Commons_licenses.3F|Who gives permission to use material offered under Creative Commons licenses?]]
#[[#How_do_I_properly_attribute_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F|How do I properly attribute material offered under a Creative Commons license?]]
#[[#What_if_CC_licenses_have_not_been_ported_to_my_jurisdiction_.28country.29.3F |What if CC licenses have not been ported to my jurisdiction (country)?]]
#[[#When_is_my_use_considered_an_adaptation.3F|When is my use considered an adaptation?]]
#[[#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F | Does my use violate the NonCommercial clause of the licenses?]]
#[[#Can_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_software.3F | Can I apply a Creative Commons license to software?]]
#[[#How_can_I_change_or_remove_the_Creative_Commons_search_option_built_into_the_Firefox_browser.3F | How can I change or remove the Creative Commons search option built into the Firefox browser?]]
#[[#Can_I_change_the_license_terms_or_conditions.3F | Can I change the license terms or conditions?]]

===About CC===

#[[#What_is_Creative_Commons_and_what_do_you_do.3F | What is Creative Commons and what do you do?]]
#[[#Is_Creative_Commons_against_copyright.3F | Is Creative Commons against copyright?]]
#[[#What_does_.22Some_Rights_Reserved.22_mean.3F | What does "Some Rights Reserved" mean?]]
#[[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_other_tools.2C_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F | Can Creative Commons give legal advice about its licenses or other tools, or help with CC license enforcement?]]
#[[#Does_Creative_Commons_collect_or_track_materials_licensed_under_a_CC_license.3F | Does Creative Commons collect or track material licensed under a CC license?]]
#[[#What_do_the_Creative_Commons_buttons_do.3F | What do the Creative Commons buttons do?]]
#[[#May_I_use_the_Creative_Commons_logo_and_buttons.3F|May I use the Creative Commons logo and buttons?]]
#[[#I_love_Creative_Commons._How_can_I_help.3F | I love Creative Commons. How can I help?]]
#[[#Why does Creative Commons run an annual fundraising campaign? What is the money used for and where does it go.3F | Why does Creative Commons run an annual fundraising campaign? What is the money used for and where does it go?]]

===General License Information===

#[[#What_are_Creative_Commons_licenses.3F|What are Creative Commons licenses?]]
#[[#How_do_CC_licenses_operate.3F|How do CC licenses operate?]]
#[[#Which_is_the_latest_version_of_the_licenses_offered_by_Creative_Commons.3F|Which is the latest version of the licenses offered by Creative Commons?]]
#[[#Do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_exceptions_and_limitations_to_copyright.2C_such_as_fair_dealing_and_fair_use.3F | Do Creative Commons licenses affect exceptions and limitations to copyright, such as fair dealing and fair use?]]
#[[#Who_gives_permission_to_use_material_offered_under_Creative_Commons_licenses.3F|Who gives permission to use material offered under Creative Commons licenses?]]
#[[#Are_Creative_Commons_licenses_enforceable_in_a_court_of_law.3F | Are Creative Commons licenses enforceable in a court of law?]]
#[[#What_happens_if_someone_applies_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_my_work_without_my_knowledge_or_authorization.3F | What happens if someone applies a CC license to my work without my knowledge or authorization?]]
#[[#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F | What are the international (“unported”) Creative Commons licenses, and why does CC offer “ported” licenses?]]
#[[#Can_I_include_a_work_licensed_with_CC_BY_in_a_Wikipedia_article_even_though_they_use_a_CC_BY-SA_license.3F | Can I include a work licensed with CC BY in a Wikipedia article even though they use a CC BY-SA license?]]
#[[#Can_governments_and_intergovernmental_organizations_.28.22IGOs.22.29_use_CC_licenses.3F | Can governments and intergovernmental organizations ("IGOs") use CC licenses?]]
#[[#What_are_the_official_translations_of_the_CC_licenses_and_CC0.3F|What are the official translations of the CC licenses and CC0?]]
#[[#What_is_a_BY-SA_Compatible_License.3F|What is a BY-SA Compatible License?]]

===For Licensors===
'''NB: You should never apply a CC license to a work unless you have [[Considerations for licensors and licensees|all the permissions you need]] to do so. '''
====Choosing a license====
#[[#What_things_should_I_think_about_before_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F| What things should I think about before I apply a Creative Commons license?]]
#[[#How_should_I_decide_which_license_to_choose.3F|How should I decide which license to choose?]]
#[[#Why_should_I_use_the_latest_version_of_the_Creative_Commons_licenses.3F|Why should I use the latest version of the Creative Commons licenses?]]
#[[#What_if_CC_licenses_have_not_been_ported_to_my_jurisdiction.3F|What if CC licenses have not been ported to my jurisdiction?]]
#[[#Should_I_choose_an_international_license_or_a_ported_license.3F|Should I choose an international license or a ported license?]]
#[[#Why_should_I_use_the_license_chooser.3F_What_if_I_don.E2.80.99t.3F|Why should I use the license chooser? What if I don’t?]]
#[[#How_do_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_my_material.3F | How do I apply a Creative Commons license to my material?]]
#[[#Do_I_need_to_register_with_Creative_Commons_before_I_obtain_a_license.3F | Do I need to register with Creative Commons before I obtain a license?]]

====What can I license?====
#[[#What_do_the_terms_and_conditions_of_a_CC_license_apply_to.3F | What do the terms and conditions of a CC license apply to?]]
#[[#Can_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_software.3F | Can I apply a Creative Commons license to software?]]
#[[#Can_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_databases.3F | Can I apply a Creative Commons license to databases?]]
#[[#Could_I_use_a_CC_license_to_share_my_logo_or_trademark.3F | Could I use a CC license to share my logo or trademark?]]
#[[#May_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_a_work_in_the_public_domain.3F | May I apply a Creative Commons license to a work in the public domain?]]
#[[#If_I_take_a_photograph_of_another_work_that_is_out_of_copyright_and_in_the_public_domain,_can_I_apply_a_CC_license_to_my_photo.3F | If I take a photograph of another work that is out of copyright and in the public domain, can I apply a CC license to my photo?]]
#[[#May_I_apply_a_CC_license_to_my_work_if_it_incorporates_material_used_under_fair_use_or_another_exception_or_limitation_to_copyright?|May I apply a CC license to my work if it incorporates material used under fair use or another exception or limitation to copyright? ]]

====Rights other than copyright====
#[[#Can_I_use_CC_licenses_to_license_rights_other_than_copyright.3F|Can I use CC licenses to license rights other than copyright?]]
#[[#How_do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_my_moral_rights.2C_if_at_all.3F | How do Creative Commons licenses affect my moral rights, if at all?]]
#[[#Can_I_place_a_trademark_on_a_work_and_offer_the_work_under_a_CC_license_without_also_licensing_or_otherwise_affecting_rights_in_the_trademark.3F_If_so.2C_how.3F | Can I place a trademark on a work and offer the work under a CC license without also licensing or affecting rights in the trademark?]]
#[[#How_are_publicity,_privacy,_and_personality_rights_affected_when_I_apply_a_CC_license.3F|How are publicity, privacy, and personality rights affected when I apply a CC license?]]

====Business models====
#[[#Can_I_apply_a_CC_license_to_low-resolution_copies_of_a_licensed_work_and_reserve_more_rights_in_high-resolution_copies.3F | Can I apply a CC license to low-resolution copies of a licensed work and reserve more rights in high-resolution copies?]]
#[[#Can_I_use_a_Creative_Commons_license_if_I_am_a_member_of_a_collecting_society.3F | Can I use a Creative Commons license if I am a member of a collecting society?]]
#[[#Can_I_still_make_money_from_a_work_I_make_available_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F | Can I still make money from a work I make available under a Creative Commons license?]]

====Alterations and additions to the license====
#[[#Can_I_insist_on_the_exact_placement_of_the_attribution_credit.3F | Can I insist on the exact placement of the attribution credit?]]
#[[#Can_I_change_the_license_terms_or_conditions.3F | Can I change the license terms or conditions?]]
#[[#Can_I_waive_license_terms_or_conditions.3F | Can I waive license terms or conditions?]]
#[[#Can_I_enter_into_separate_or_supplemental_agreements_with_users_of_my_work.3F|Can I enter into separate or supplemental agreements with users of my work?]]

====After licensing====
#[[#What_happens_if_I_offer_my_material_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_someone_misuses_them.3F | What happens if I offer my materials under a Creative Commons license and someone misuses them?]]
#[[#What_can_I_do_if_I_offer_my_material_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_I_do_not_like_the_way_someone_uses_it.3F | What can I do if I offer my material under a Creative Commons license and I do not like the way someone uses it?]]
#[[#What_do_I_do_if_someone_tries_to_place_effective_technological_measures_.28such_as_DRM.29_on_my_CC-licensed_material.3F|What do I do if someone tries to place effective technological measures (such as DRM) on my CC-licensed material?]]
#[[#When_I_release_my_work_under_a_CC_license_in_one_format_(e.g.,_.pdf),_can_I_restrict_licensees_from_changing_it_to_or_using_it_in_other_formats.3F|When I release my work under a CC license in one format (e.g., .pdf), can I restrict licensees from changing it to or using it in other formats?]]
#[[#What_if_I_change_my_mind_about_using_a_CC_license.3F|What if I change my mind about using a CC license?]]

===For Licensees===
====Before using CC-licensed material====
#[[#What_should_I_think_about_before_using_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F | What should I think about before using material offered under a Creative Commons license?]]
#[[#Does_a_Creative_Commons_license_give_me_all_the_rights_I_need_to_use_the_work.3F | Does a Creative Commons license give me all the rights I need to use the work?]]
#[[#What_if_there_are_sui_generis_database_rights_that_apply_to_my_use_of_a_CC-licensed_database.3F|What if there are sui generis database rights that apply to my use of a CC-licensed database?]]
#[[#Where_can_I_find_material_offered_under_a_CC_license.3F | Where can I find material offered under a CC license?]]
#[[#Are_Creative_Commons_works_really_free_to_use.3F|Are Creative Commons works really free to use?]]
#[[#What_should_I_know_about_differences_between_the_international_licenses_and_the_ported_licenses.3F | What should I know about differences between the international licenses and the ported licenses?]]

====General license compliance====
#[[#What_happens_if_I_want_to_use_the_material_in_a_way_that_is_not_permitted_by_the_license.3F | What happens if I want to use the material in a way that is not permitted by the license?]]
#[[#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not,_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|Do I always have to comply with the license terms? If not, what are the exceptions?]]

====Attribution====
#[[#How_do_I_properly_attribute_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F | How do I properly attribute material offered under a Creative Commons license?]]
#[[#Do_I_need_to_be_aware_of_anything_else_when_providing_attribution.3F | Do I need to be aware of anything else when providing attribution?]]
#[[#Do_I_always_have_to_attribute_the_creator_of_the_licensed_material.3F|Do I always have to attribute the creator of the licensed material?]]

====Using licensed material====
#[[#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F | Does my use violate the NonCommercial clause of the licenses?]]
#[[#Can_I_take_a_CC-licensed_work_and_use_it_in_a_different_format.3F|Can I take a CC-licensed work and use it in a different format?]]
#[[#How_do_I_know_if_a_low-resolution_photo_and_a_high-resolution_photo_are_the_same_work.3F|How do I know if a low-resolution photo and a high-resolution photo are the same work?]]
#[[#Can_I_use_effective_technological_measures_(such_as_DRM)_when_I_share_CC-licensed_material.3F|Can I use effective technological measures (such as DRM) when I share CC-licensed material?]]
#[[#Can_I_share_CC-licensed_material_on_password-protected_sites.3F|Can I share CC-licensed material on password-protected sites?]]
#[[#Can_I_share_CC-licensed_material_on_file-sharing_networks.3F|Can I share CC-licensed material on file-sharing networks?]]

====Additional restrictions on licensed material====
#[[#What_if_I_received_CC-licensed_material_encumbered_with_effective_technological_measures_(such_as_DRM).3F|What if I received CC-licensed material encumbered with effective technological measures (such as DRM)?]]
#[[#What_if_I_have_received_CC-licensed_material_with_additional_restrictions.3F|What if I have received CC-licensed material with additional restrictions?]]

====Combining and adapting CC material====
#[[#When_is_my_use_considered_an_adaptation.3F|When is my use considered an adaptation?]]
#[[#Can_I_combine_material_under_different_Creative_Commons_licenses_in_my_work.3F|Can I combine material that uses different Creative Commons licenses into my work?]]
#[[#If_I_derive_or_adapt_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.2C_which_CC_license.28s.29_can_I_use.3F|If I derive or adapt material offered under a Creative Commons license, which CC license(s) can I use?]]
#[[#If_I_create_a_collection_that_includes_a_work_offered_under_a_CC_license.2C_which_license.28s.29_may_I_choose_for_the_collection.3F|If I create a collection that includes a work offered under a CC license, which license(s) may I choose for the collection?]]

====License termination====
#[[#When_do_ Creative_Commons_licenses_expire.3F|When do Creative Commons licenses expire? ]]
#[[#What_happens_if_the_author_decides_to_revoke_the_CC_license_to_material_I_am_using.3F|What happens if the author decides to revoke the CC license to material I am using?]]
#[[#How_can_I_lose_my_rights_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F_If_that_happens,_how_do_I_get_them_back.3F|How can I lose my rights under a Creative Commons license? If that happens, how do I get them back?]]

===Technical Questions===

#[[#How_do_Creative_Commons_licenses_and_public_domain_tools_work_technically.3F | How do Creative Commons licenses and public domain tools work technically?]]
#[[#What_does_it_mean_that_Creative_Commons_licenses_are_.22machine-readable.22.3F | What does it mean that Creative Commons licenses are "machine-readable"?]]
#[[#What_is_RDFa.3F | What is RDFa?]]
#[[#What_is_CC_REL_and_why_does_Creative_Commons_recommend_it.3F | What is CC REL and why does Creative Commons recommend it?]]
#[[#What_does_it_mean_for_a_search_engine_to_be_CC-enabled.3F | What does it mean for a search engine to be CC-enabled?]]
#[[#How_do_I_give_users_of_my_site_the_option_to_use_CC_licensing_like_Flickr_does.3F | How do I give users of my site the option to use CC licensing like Flickr does?]]
#[[#How_can_I_change_or_remove_the_Creative_Commons_search_option_built_into_the_Firefox_browser.3F | How do I change/remove the Creative Commons search options built into the Firefox browser?]]
#[[#Is_Creative_Commons_involved_in_digital_rights_management_.28DRM.29.3F | Is Creative Commons involved in digital rights management (DRM)?]]

===Legal Background===

#[[#What_is_copyright_and_why_does_it_matter.3F | What is copyright and why does it matter?]]
#[[#What_is_the_public_domain.3F | What is the public domain?]]
#[[#What_do_I_need_to_do_to_get_a_copyright.3F | What do I need to do to get a copyright?]]
#[[#What_is_an_adaptation.3F | What is an adaptation?]]
#[[#What_are_moral_rights.3F | What are moral rights?]]
#[[#What_are_neighboring_rights.3F | What are neighboring rights?]]
#[[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|What are sui generis database rights?]]
#[[#What_are_collecting_societies.3F | What are collecting societies?]]
#[[#What_are_publicity,_personality,_and_privacy_rights.3F|What are publicity, personality, and privacy rights?]]

===Data===
====Frequently asked questions about data and CC licenses====
#[[#Can_databases_be_released_under_CC_licenses.3F|Can databases be released under CC licenses?]]
#[[#When_a_CC_license_is_applied_to_a_database,_what_is_being_licensed.3F|When a CC license is applied to a database, what is being licensed?]]
#[[#How_do_I_apply_a_CC_legal_tool_to_a_database.3F|How do I apply a CC legal tool to a database?]]
#[[#How_do_the_different_CC_license_elements_operate_for_a_CC-licensed_database.3F|How do the different CC license elements operate for a CC-licensed database?]]
#[[#Can_I_conduct_text/data_mining_on_a_CC-licensed_database.3F|Can I conduct text/data mining on a CC-licensed database?]]
#[[#How_does_the_treatment_of_sui_generis_database_rights_vary_in_prior_versions_of_CC_licenses.3F|How does the treatment of sui generis database rights vary in prior versions of CC licenses?]]
#[[#What_is_the_difference_between_the_Open_Data_Commons_licenses_and_the_CC_4.0_licenses.3F|What is the difference between the Open Data Commons licenses and the CC 4.0 licenses?]]

====Frequently asked questions about data, generally====

#[[#Which_components_of_databases_are_protected_by_copyright.3F|Which components of databases are protected by copyright?]]
#[[#How_do_I_know_whether_a_particular_use_of_a_database_is_restricted_by_copyright.3F|How do I know whether a particular use of a database is restricted by copyright?]]
#[[#If_my_use_of_a_database_is_restricted_by_copyright,_how_do_I_comply_with_the_license.3F|If my use of a database is restricted by copyright, how do I comply with the license?]]
#[[#Which_components_of_a_database_are_protected_by_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|Which components of a database are protected by sui generis database rights?]]
#[[#How_do_I_know_whether_a_particular_use_of_a_database_is_restricted_by_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|How do I know whether a particular use of a database is restricted by sui generis database rights?]]
#[[#What_constitutes_a_“substantial_portion”_of_a_database.3F|What constitutes a “substantial portion” of a database?]]
#[[#If_my_use_of_a_database_is_restricted_by_sui_generis_database_rights,_how_do_I_comply_with_the_license.3F|If my use of a database is restricted by sui generis database rights, how do I comply with the license?]]

<hr/>

==About CC==






====What is Creative Commons and what do you do?====

Creative Commons is a global nonprofit organization that enables sharing and reuse of creativity and knowledge through the provision of free legal tools. Our legal tools help those who want to encourage reuse of their works by offering them for use under generous, standardized terms; those who want to make creative uses of works; and those who want to benefit from this symbiosis. Our vision is to help others realize the full potential of the internet. CC has affiliates [http://creativecommons.org/international/ all over the world] who help ensure our licenses work internationally and who raise awareness of our work.

Although Creative Commons is best known for its licenses, our work extends beyond just providing copyright licenses. CC offers other legal and technical tools that also facilitate sharing and discovery of creative works, such as [http://creativecommons.org/choose/zero/ CC0], a public domain dedication for rights holders who wish to put their work into the public domain before the expiration of copyright, and the [http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0 Public Domain Mark], a tool for marking a work that is in the worldwide public domain. [[#Technical_Questions_2|Creative Commons licenses and tools were designed specifically to work with the web]], which makes content that is offered under their terms easy to search for, discover, and use.

For more information about CC, our [http://creativecommons.org main website] contains in-depth information about [http://creativecommons.org/about/ the organization], its [http://creativecommons.org/staff/ staff and board of directors], its [http://creativecommons.org/about/history history], and its [https://support.creativecommons.org/supporters supporters]. You can also read [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Case_Studies CC case studies] to learn about some of the inspiring ways CC licenses and tools have been used to share works and support innovative business models. You can find regularly updated information about CC by visiting the [http://creativecommons.org/weblog blog].

====Is Creative Commons against copyright?====

Absolutely not. CC has [http://creativecommons.org/weblog/entry/22643 responded to claims to the contrary]. CC licenses are copyright licenses, and depend on the existence of copyright to work. CC licenses are legal tools that creators and other rights holders can use to offer certain usage rights to the public, while reserving other rights. Those who want to make their work available to the public for limited kinds of uses while preserving their copyright may want to consider using CC licenses. Others who want to reserve all of their rights under copyright law should not use CC licenses.

That said, Creative Commons recognizes the need for change in copyright law, and many members of the Creative Commons community are active participants in the copyright reform movement. For more information, see our [http://creativecommons.org/about/reform statement in support of copyright reform].

====What does "Some Rights Reserved" mean?====

[[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_is_copyright_and_why_does_it_matter.3F|Copyright]] grants to creators a bundle of exclusive rights over their creative works, which generally include, at a minimum, the right to reproduce, distribute, display, and make adaptations. The phrase "All Rights Reserved" is often used by owners to indicate that they reserve all of the rights granted to them under the law. When copyright expires, the work enters the [[#What_is_the_public_domain.3F | public domain]], and the rights holder can no longer stop others from engaging in those activities under copyright, with the exception of moral rights reserved to creators in some jurisdictions. Creative Commons licenses offer creators a spectrum of choices between retaining all rights and relinquishing all rights (public domain), an approach we call "Some Rights Reserved."




====Can Creative Commons give legal advice about its licenses or other tools, or help with CC license enforcement?====

No. Creative Commons is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal services. CC is similar to a self-help service that offers free, form-based legal documents for others to use. These FAQ answers many of the most common questions. There is also specialized information available on the following pages:

*[[Marking/Creators|Marking practices for creators]]
*[[Marking/Users|Marking practices for reusers]]
*[[Data FAQ|Data FAQ]]
*[[License versions|Differences between CC license versions]]
*[[Jurisdiction Database|Differences between jurisdiction ports of earlier license versions]]
*[[PDM_FAQ|Public domain mark FAQ]]
*[[CC0_FAQ|CC0 FAQ]]

While CC does provide this informational guidance about its licenses and other tools, this information may not apply to your particular situation, and should never be taken as legal advice.

If you're looking for legal advice about using CC licenses and other tools, we recommend contacting the [[CC Affiliate Network|Creative Commons affiliate in your jurisdiction]]. CC affiliates are highly connected to the communities of copyright lawyers in their countries. We also offer a [[CC_Friendly_Lawyers|list of lawyers and organizations]] who have identified themselves as willing to provide information to others about CC licensing issues. However, please note that CC does not provide referral services, and does not endorse or recommend any person on that list.





====Does Creative Commons collect or track material licensed under a CC license?====

No, CC does not collect content or track licensed material. However, CC builds technical tools that help the public search for and use works licensed under our licenses and other legal tools, and many others have built such tools as well. [http://search.creativecommons.org/ CC Search] is one tool developed by CC to help the public discover works offered under Creative Commons licenses on the internet via CC-aware search engines and repositories.



====What do the Creative Commons buttons do?====

The CC buttons are a shorthand way to convey the basic permissions associated with material offered under CC licenses. Creators and owners who apply CC licenses to their material can [http://creativecommons.org/about/downloads download and apply those buttons] to communicate to users the permissions granted in advance. When the material is offered online, the buttons should usually link out to the human-readable license deeds (which, in turn, link to the license itself).






====May I use the Creative Commons logo and buttons?====

You may [http://creativecommons.org/about/downloads download high resolution versions] of the Creative Commons logos and use them in connection with your work or your website, provided you comply with our [http://creativecommons.org/policies policies]. Among other things, if you use the logos on a website or on your work, you may not alter the logos in any respect—such as by changing the font, the proportions, or the colors. CC's buttons, name, and corporate logo (the “CC” in a circle) are trademarks of Creative Commons. You cannot use them in ways not permitted by our policies unless you first receive express, written permission. This means, for example, that you cannot (without our permission) print your own buttons and t-shirts using CC logos, although you can purchase them in CC’s [https://creativecommons.net/store/ store].


====I love Creative Commons. How can I help?====

Please support CC by making a donation through our [http://creativecommons.net/ support page]. If you give $50 or more, you can get a special-edition t-shirt only available to CC supporters. Donations and shipping information can be handled through PayPal or by credit card. You can also support CC by visiting our [http://creativecommons.net/store store].

CC always welcomes your feedback, which you can provide by emailing [mailto:info@creativecommons.org info@creativecommons.org]. You can also participate in CC's [http://creativecommons.org/contact#discuss email discussion lists] and share feedback and ideas in one of those forums.

If you are a software developer, sysadmin, or have other technical expertise, please [http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/cc-devel join our developer community] and help build the tools that build the commons.

Finally, one of the best ways to support CC is by supporting our causes yourself. Follow our [http://creativecommons.org/weblog/ blog] to find out about current issues where you can help get involved and spread the word, and advocate for free and open licensing in your own communities.



====Why does Creative Commons run an annual fundraising campaign? What is the money used for and where does it go?====

Creative Commons is a global nonprofit organization that enables sharing and reuse of creativity and knowledge through free legal tools, with affiliates all over the world who help ensure our licenses work internationally and raise awareness about our work. Our tools are free, and our reach is wide.

In order to...
*continue developing our licenses and public domain tools to make sure they are legally and technically up-to-date around the world,
*help creators implement these tools on websites through best practices and individual assistance,
*enable CC licensing on major content-sharing platforms,
*enhance CC-licensed resource search and discovery,
*advocate for CC licensing and open policies in [http://creativecommons.org/education education], [http://creativecommons.org/science science], and [http://creativecommons.org/culture culture], and
*myriad other activities we're forgetting to mention, such as all the everyday boring but essential operations that go into running an organization
...we need $ to make it all happen!
For more information, please take a look at our [http://dispatches.creativecommons.org/ Annual Report].

Creative Commons has always relied on the generosity of both individuals and organizations to fund its ongoing operations. It is essential we have the public's support because it is the creators and users of CC material who make our tools relevant in this digital age. They depend on the tools and services CC provides through their reuse and remix of the rich, open resources available on [http://en.wikipedia.org Wikipedia], [http://www.flickr.com Flickr], [http://soundcloud.com/‎ SoundCloud], [http://www.vimeo.com/‎ Vimeo], [http://www.europeana.eu/ ‎Europeana], [http://ocw.mit.edu/ MIT OpenCourseWare], the [http://www.plos.org/‎Public Library of Science], [http://www.aljazeera.com/‎ Al Jazeera], and [http://youtube.com YouTube]—just to name a few. Many of these people donate $10, $25, or $50 to CC, to help keep it up and running so we can continue to provide our tools and services for free, as a nonprofit organization. The more people who [https://creativecommons.net/ donate] to CC, the more independent it will remain.

==General License Information==



====What are Creative Commons licenses?====
[http://creativecommons.org/licenses Creative Commons licenses] provide an easy way to manage the copyright terms that attach automatically to all creative material under [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_is_copyright_and_why_does_it_matter.3F|copyright]]. Our licenses allow that material to be shared and reused under terms that are flexible and legally sound. Creative Commons offers a core suite of six copyright licenses. Because there is no single "Creative Commons license," it is important to identify [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ which of the six licenses] you are applying to your material, which of the six licenses has been applied to material that you intend to use, and in both cases the specific version.

All of our licenses require that users provide attribution (BY) to the creator when the material is used and shared. Some licensors choose the BY license, which requires attribution to the creator as the only condition to reuse of the material. The other five licenses combine BY with one or more of three additional license elements: NonCommercial (NC), which prohibits commercial use of the material; NoDerivatives (ND), which prohibits the sharing of adaptations of the material; and ShareAlike (SA), which requires adaptations of the material be released under the same license.

CC licenses may be applied to any type of work, including [[OER|educational resources]], [[Musician|music]], [[Photographer|photographs]], [[Data|databases]], [[Government_use_of_Creative_Commons|government and public sector information]], and [[Case_Studies|many other types of material]]. The only categories of works for which CC does not recommend its licenses are [[#Can_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_software.3F| computer software]] and hardware. You should also not apply Creative Commons licenses to works that are [[#May_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_a_work_in_the_public_domain|no longer protected by copyright or are otherwise in the public domain]]. Instead, for those works in the worldwide public domain, we recommend that you mark them with the [http://creativecommons.org/about/pdm Public Domain Mark].

====How do CC licenses operate?====

CC licenses are operative only when applied to material in which a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_is_copyright_and_why_does_it_matter.3F|copyright]] exists, and even then only when a particular use would otherwise not be permitted by copyright. Note that the latest version of CC licenses also applies to rights similar to copyright, such as [[#What_are_neighboring_rights.3F|neighboring rights]] and [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]]. [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_use_CC_licenses_to_license_rights_other_than_copyright.3F|Learn more about the scope of the licenses.]] This means that CC license terms and conditions are '''not''' triggered by [[#Do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_fair_use.2C_fair_dealing.2C_or_other_exceptions_to_copyright.3F|uses permitted under any applicable exceptions and limitations to copyright]], nor do license terms and conditions apply to elements of a licensed work that are in the public domain. This also means that CC licenses do not contractually impose restrictions on uses of a work where there is no underlying copyright. This feature (and others) [[Data#What_is_the_difference_between_the_Open_Data_Commons_licenses_and_the_CC_4.0_licenses.3F|distinguish CC licenses from some other open licenses]] like the [http://opendatacommons.org/licenses/odbl/ ODbL] and [http://opendatacommons.org/licenses/by/ ODC-BY], both of which are intended to [http://opendatacommons.org/faq/licenses/#db-versus-contents impose contractual conditions and restrictions] on the reuse of databases in jurisdictions where there is no underlying copyright or sui generis database right.

All CC licenses are non-exclusive: [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_enter_into_separate_or_supplemental_agreements_with_users_of_my_work.3F|creators and owners can enter into additional, different licensing arrangements]] for the same material at any time (often referred to as “dual-licensing” or “multi-licensing”). However, [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_if_I_change_my_mind_about_using_a_CC_license.3F|CC licenses are not revocable]] once granted unless there has been a breach, and even then the license is terminated only for the breaching licensee.

There are also [http://creativecommons.org/videos/ videos and comics] that offer visual descriptions of how CC licenses work.

====Which is the latest version of the licenses offered by Creative Commons?====

In November 2013, Creative Commons published the version 4.0 license suite. These licenses are the most up-to-date licenses offered by CC, and are recommended over all prior versions. You can see how the licenses have been improved over time on the [[License versions|license versions page]]. 4.0 has been drafted to be internationally valid, and will have official translations becoming available after publication.



====Do Creative Commons licenses affect exceptions and limitations to copyright, such as fair dealing and fair use?====

No. By design, CC licenses do not reduce, limit, or restrict any rights under exceptions and limitations to copyright, such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_use fair use] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_dealing fair dealing]. If your use of CC-licensed material would otherwise be allowed because of an applicable exception or limitation, you do not need to rely on the CC license or comply with its terms and conditions. [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_do_CC_licenses_operate.3F|This is a fundamental principle of CC licensing.]]

====Who gives permission to use material offered under Creative Commons licenses?====

Our licenses and legal tools are intended for use by anyone who holds copyright in the material. This is often, but not always, the creator.

Creative Commons offers licenses and tools to the public free of charge and does not require that creators or other rights holders register with CC in order to apply a CC license to a work. This means that [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_Creative_Commons_collect_or_track_materials_licensed_under_a_CC_license.3F|CC does not have special knowledge of who uses the licenses]] and for what purposes, nor does CC have a way to contact creators beyond means generally available to the public. CC has no authority to grant permission on behalf of those persons, nor does CC manage those rights on behalf of others.

If you would like to obtain additional permissions to use the work beyond those granted by the license that has been applied, or if you’re not sure if your intended use is permitted by the license, you should [[#What_happens_if_I_want_to_do_something_with_the_work_that_is_not_permitted_by_the_license.3F | contact the rights holder]].





====Are Creative Commons licenses enforceable in a court of law?====

Creative Commons licenses are drafted to be enforceable around the world, and have been [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Case_Law enforced in court] in various jurisdictions. To CC's knowledge, the licenses have never been held unenforceable or invalid.

CC licenses contain a “severability” clause. This allows a court to eliminate any provision determined to be unenforceable, and enforce the remaining provisions of the license.

====What happens if someone applies a Creative Commons license to my work without my knowledge or authorization?====

CC [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Before_Licensing alerts prospective licensors] they need to have all necessary rights before applying a CC license to a work. If that is not the case and someone has marked your work with a CC license without your authorization, you should contact that person and tell them to remove the license from your work. You may also wish to contact a lawyer. Creative Commons is not a law firm and cannot represent you or give you legal advice, but there are [[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F | lawyers who have identified themselves as interested in representing people in CC-related matters]].



====What are the international (“unported”) Creative Commons licenses, and why does CC offer “ported” licenses?====

One of CC’s goals is ensuring that all of its legal tools work globally, so that anyone anywhere in the world can share their work on globally standard terms. To this end, CC offers a core suite of six international copyright licenses (formerly called the "unported") that are drafted based largely on various [http://www.wipo.int/copyright/en/treaties.htm international treaties governing copyright], taking into account as many jurisdiction-specific legal issues as possible. The latest version (4.0) has been drafted with particular attention to the needs of international enforceability.

For version 3.0 and earlier, Creative Commons has also offered ported versions of its six core licenses for many jurisdictions (which usually correspond to countries, but not always). These ported licenses are based on the international license suite but have been modified to reflect local nuances in the expression of legal terms and conditions, drafting protocols, and language. The ported licenses and the international licenses are all intended to be legally effective everywhere. CC expects that few, if any, ports will be necessary for 4.0.

CC recommends that you take advantage of the improvements in the 4.0 suite explained on the [[License_versions|license versions page]] unless there are [[#Should_I_choose_an_international_license_or_a_ported_license.3F|particular considerations you are aware of]] that would require a ported license.

====Can I include a work licensed with CC BY in a Wikipedia article even though they use a CC BY-SA license?====

Yes. Works licensed under CC BY may be incorporated into works that are licensed under CC BY-SA. For example, you may incorporate a CC BY photograph into a Wikipedia article so long as you keep all copyright notices intact, provide proper attribution, and otherwise comply with the terms of CC BY. [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ Learn more] about the licenses.





====Can governments and intergovernmental organizations ("IGOs") use CC licenses?====

Yes, anyone may use CC licenses for material they own, including governments and IGOs, and these institutions [[Government|frequently use CC licenses on their copyrightable material]]. The reasons for doing so vary, and often include a desire to maximize the impact and utility of works for educational and informational purposes, and to enhance transparency.

Creative Commons licenses have [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ desirable features] that make them the preferred choice over custom licenses. CC licenses are standard and interoperable, which means material published by different creators using the same type of CC license can be translated, modified, compiled, and remixed without legal barriers depending on the [[#Can_I_combine_works_that_use_different_Creative_Commons_licenses_into_my_work?|particular license applied]]. Creative Commons licenses are also machine-readable, allowing CC-licensed works to be easily discovered via search engines such as Google. These features maximize distribution, reuse, and impact of works published by governments and IGOs.

Though we encourage anyone to use version 4.0, which is internationally valid and may be used by individuals as well as organizations, there is an IGO ported version of 3.0 that IGOs may also use. Read more about how [[government]]s and [[IGO]]s use and leverage CC licenses and legal tools, considerations for using our licenses, and [[Intergovernmental_Organizations#FAQ:_CC_Licenses_and_IGOs|how they operate in the IGO context.]]



====What are the official translations of the CC licenses and CC0?====

Official language translations will be available for the 4.0 licenses and CC0. When you license your own work, you may use or link to the text of any available official translation. When you reuse CC-licensed material, you may comply with the license conditions by referring to any available official translation of the license. These translations are linguistic translations of the English version which adhere as closely as possible to the original text. These translations have been done by our affiliates in accordance with the [[Legal Code Translation Policy]] and with the oversight and detailed review of the CC legal team. Note that these are equivalents of the original English; these translations are ''not'' [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F|jurisdiction ported versions]]. You may find a list of all available translations [[Legal_Tools_Translation#Published_translations|here]].

For versions 3.0 and earlier, official translations are not available. Some unofficial translations were made for informational purposes only. (Jurisdiction ported versions of version 3.0 and earlier were generally published in the official language(s) of the appropriate jurisdiction. However, the ported licenses are [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_should_I_know_about_differences_between_the_international_licenses_and_the_ported_licenses.3F|not
equivalent]] to the international licenses, and do not serve as substitutable references for purposes of complying with the terms and conditions of the licenses.)

====What is a BY-SA Compatible License?====

A BY-SA Compatible License is a license officially designated by Creative Commons pursuant to the [https://wiki.creativecommons.org/ShareAlike_compatibility_criteria ShareAlike compatibility process]. Once deemed a BY-SA Compatible License, you may use the license to publish your contributions to an adaptation of a BY-SA work. To see the list of BY-SA Compatible Licenses, click [https://creativecommons.org/compatiblelicenses here]. Learn more about ShareAlike compatibility [https://wiki.creativecommons.org/ShareAlike_compatibility here].

==For Licensors==
===Choosing a license===

====What things should I think about before I apply a Creative Commons license?====

Applying a Creative Commons license to your material is a serious decision. When you apply a CC license, you give permission to anyone to use your material for the full duration of applicable copyright and similar rights.

CC has identified [[Considerations for licensors and licensees|some things that you should consider]] before you apply a CC license, some of which relate to your ability to apply a CC license at all. Here are some highlights:

*Is the material copyrightable? If not, is it subject to [[#What_are_neighboring_rights.3F|neighboring rights]] or [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]]? CC licenses do not apply to material in the [[#What_is_the_public_domain.3F|public domain]]. Different countries have different standards for what is in the public domain.
*Do you own the material you want to license? If not, are you otherwise authorized to license it under the specific CC license you are interested in using? You should not apply a license to material that you do not own or that you are not authorized to license.
*Are you aware that CC licenses [[#What_if_I_change_my_mind_about_using_a_CC_license.3F|are not revocable]]? You are free to stop offering material under a CC license at any time, but this will not affect the rights associated with any copies of your work already in circulation. (Any particular licensee may lose his or her rights after violating the license, but this does not affect continual use of the work by other licensees.)
*Are you a member of a [[#What_are_collecting_societies.3F|collecting society]]? If you are, you should [[#Can_I_use_a_Creative_Commons_license_if_I_am_a_member_of_a_collecting_society.3F|make sure that you are able to use CC licenses for your materials]].
*Always read the terms and conditions of the specific license you plan to apply. Additionally, there are several [[License versions|terms that may differ in the earlier versions of the license]], both unported and ported. [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Should_I_choose_an_international_license_or_a_ported_license.3F|If you choose to use a pre-4.0 version or any ported version]], clauses such as choice of law may affect your desired choice of license.


====How should I decide which license to choose?====
If you are unsure which license best suits your needs, there are plenty of resources to help rights holders choose the right CC license. CC Australia has developed a [http://creativecommons.org.au/learn-more/fact-sheets/which-creative-commons-licence-is-right-for-me-poster flow chart] that may be useful in helping you settle on the right license for your work. Creative Commons has also compiled [http://creativecommons.org/examples a list of examples] that demonstrate how various licenses fit into licensors' overall strategies. You can also [http://thepowerofopen.org/ read case studies] of others who are using CC licenses. The CC community can also respond to questions, and may have already addressed issues you raise. The CC community [http://creativecommons.org/discuss email discussion lists] and discussion archives may be useful resources.

Finally, you may also want to [[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F|consult with a lawyer]] to obtain advice on the best license for your needs.


====Why should I use the latest version of the Creative Commons licenses?====
The latest version of the Creative Commons licenses is version 4.0. You should always use the latest version of the Creative Commons licenses in order to take advantage of the many improvements described on the [[License versions|license versions page]]. In particular, 4.0 is meant to be better suited to international use, and use in many different contexts, including [[Data|sharing data]].


====What if CC licenses have not been ported to my jurisdiction?====
All CC licenses are intended to work worldwide. Unless you have a specific reason to use a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Should_I_choose_an_international_license_or_a_ported_license.3F|ported license]], we suggest you consider using one of the international licenses. 4.0 will support official translations of the international license for those who wish to use the licenses in another language.

As of version 4.0, CC is discouraging ported versions, and has placed a hold on new porting projects following its publication until sometime in 2014. At that point, CC will reevaluate the necessity of porting in the future.

====Should I choose an international license or a ported license?====
We recommend that you use a version 4.0 international license. This is the most up-to-date version of our licenses, drafted after broad consultation with our global network of affiliates, and it has been written to be internationally valid. There are currently no [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F|ports]] of 4.0, and it is planned that few, if any, will be created.

All of the ported licenses are at version 3.0 or earlier, which means licensors using those licenses do not have the benefit of the [[License_versions|improvements made in the 4.0 license suite]]. But even before considering the improvements in 4.0, there are several reasons why the [[#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F|international licenses]] may be preferable for rights holders, even if the licenses have been ported to their jurisdiction. As an organization, CC itself licenses all of its own content under an international license because, among other reasons, the international licenses are essentially jurisdiction-neutral while remaining effective globally. The neutral nature of the international licenses appeals to many people and organizations, particularly for use in connection with global projects that transcend political borders. Finally, it is important to know that some of the ported licenses contain a choice of law provision, which may be undesirable for your needs.

However, some rights holders still choose a license ported to their local jurisdiction because they believe their needs are not sufficiently met by the international licenses. If the licenses have been ported to your jurisdiction and you feel that the ported licenses better account for some aspect of local legislation, then you may wish to consider a ported license.

You can [[Jurisdiction_Database|use our jurisdiction database]] to compare international licenses and ports on these issues and others, such as whether a ported license contains a choice of law or forum selection clause.

====Why should I use the license chooser? What if I don’t?====
Licensors are not required to use the [http://creativecommons.org/choose/ CC license chooser] or provide any information about themselves or their material when applying a CC license to their material. However, using the license chooser enables licensors to take advantage of the "machine readable" layer of CC licenses. Our [[ccrel|machine-readable]] code enhances the discoverability of your work because that code allows software, search engines, and other tools to recognize when something is licensed under a CC license. The code also facilitates attribution: when users click on the CC button placed on your site, they will be linked directly to HTML code that they can cut and paste to provide attribution.




====How do I apply a Creative Commons license to my material?====
'''For online material''': Select the license that is appropriate for your material [http://creativecommons.org/choose/ from the CC license chooser] and then follow the [[Marking_your_work_with_a_CC_license#How_to_use_the_CC_License_Chooser|instructions]] to include the HTML code. The code will automatically generate a [[#What_do_the_Creative_Commons_buttons_do.3F|license button]] and a statement that your material is licensed under a CC license. If you are only licensing part of a work (for example, if you have created a video under a CC license but are using a song under a different license), be sure to clearly [[Marking/Creators|mark]] which parts are under the CC license and which parts are not. The HTML code will also include metadata, which allows the material to be discovered via [http://search.creativecommons.org/ Creative Commons-enabled search engines].

'''For offline material''': Identify which license you wish to apply to your work and either (a) [[Marking_your_work_with_a_CC_license#Example:_Offline_document|mark your work]] with a statement such as, “This work is licensed under the Creative Commons [insert description] License. To view a copy of the license, visit [insert url]"; or (b) insert the applicable [[#What_do_the_Creative_Commons_buttons_do.3F|license buttons]] with the same statement and URL link.

'''For third-party platforms''': Many [[Marking_your_work_with_a_CC_license#Content-sharing_platforms|media platforms]] like [http://www.flickr.com/ Flickr], [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube], and [https://soundcloud.com/ SoundCloud] have built-in Creative Commons capabilities, letting users mark their material with a CC license through their account settings. The benefit of using this functionality is that it allows other people to find your content when [http://search.creativecommons.org/ searching on those platforms for CC-licensed material]. If the platform where you're uploading your content does not support CC licensing, you can still identify your content as CC-licensed in the text description of your content.

Legally, these three options are the same. The only difference between applying a CC license offline rather than online is that marking a work online with metadata will ensure that users will be able to find it through CC-enabled search engines.

CC offers resources on the [[Marking/Creators|best practices for marking your material]] and on [[Media:Creativecommons-licensing-and-marking-your-content_eng.pdf|how to mark material in different media (.pdf)]].






====Do I need to register with Creative Commons before I obtain a license?====
No. CC offers its licenses, code, and tools to the public free of charge, without obligation. You do not need to register with Creative Commons to apply a CC license to your material; it is legally valid as soon as you apply it to any material you have the legal right to license.

CC does not require or provide any means for creators or other rights holders to register use of a CC license, [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_Creative_Commons_collect_or_track_materials_licensed_under_a_CC_license.3F|nor does CC maintain a database of works]] distributed under Creative Commons licenses. CC also does not require registration of the work with a national copyright agency.



====What do the terms and conditions of a CC license apply to?====
Although CC licenses get attached to tangible works (such as photos and novels), the license terms and conditions apply to the licensor’s [[FAQ#How_do_CC_licenses_operate.3F|copyright]] in the licensed material. The public is granted “permission to exercise” those rights in [[FAQ#Can_I_take_a_CC-licensed_work_and_use_it_in_a_different_format.3F|any medium or format]]. It is the expression that is protected by copyright and covered by the licenses, not any particular medium or format in which the expression is manifested. This means, for example, that a CC license [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_apply_a_CC_license_to_low-resolution_copies_of_a_licensed_work_and_reserve_more_rights_in_high-resolution_copies.3F|applied to a digitized copy]] of a novel grants the public permission under copyright to use a print version of the same novel on the same terms and conditions (though you may have to purchase the print version from a bookstore).

====Can I apply a Creative Commons license to software?====
We recommend against using Creative Commons licenses for software. Instead, we strongly encourage you to use one of the very good software licenses which are already available. We recommend considering [https://www.gnu.org/licenses/license-recommendations.html licenses made available] by the [http://www.fsf.org/ Free Software Foundation] or [http://opensource.org/licenses listed as “open source”] by the [http://www.opensource.org/ Open Source Initiative].

Unlike software-specific licenses, CC licenses do not contain specific terms about the distribution of source code, which is often important to ensuring the free reuse and modifiability of software. Many software licenses also address patent rights, which are important to software but may not be applicable to other copyrightable works. Additionally, our licenses are currently not compatible with the major software licenses, so it would be difficult to integrate CC-licensed work with other free software. Existing software licenses were designed specifically for use with software and offer a similar set of rights to the Creative Commons licenses.

Our licenses are currently [http://www.dwheeler.com/essays/gpl-compatible.html not compatible with the GPL], though the CC0 Public Domain Dedication '''is''' GPL-compatible and acceptable for software. For details, [[CC0_FAQ#May_I_apply_CC0_to_computer_software.3F_If_so.2C_is_there_a_recommended_implementation.3F|see the relevant CC0 FAQ entry]]. We are looking into compatibility of BY-SA with GPL in the future; see the [http://creativecommons.org/compatiblelicenses license compatibility page] for more information.)

While we recommend against using a CC license on software itself, CC licenses may be used for software documentation, as well as for separate artistic elements such as game art or music.



====Can I apply a Creative Commons license to databases?====
Yes. CC licenses [[Data#Can_databases_be_released_under_CC_licenses.3F|can be used on databases]]. In the 4.0 license suite, applicable [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]] are licensed under the same license conditions as copyright. Many [[Data_and_CC_licenses|governments and others use CC licenses]] for data and databases.

For more detailed information about how CC licenses apply to data and databases, visit our detailed [[Data|Data FAQ]].

====Could I use a CC license to share my logo or trademark?====
Creative Commons does not recommend using a CC license on a logo or trademark. While a logo or trademark can be covered by copyright laws in addition to trademark laws, the special purposes of trademarks make CC licenses an unsuitable mechanism for sharing them in most cases. Generally, logos and trademarks are used to identify the origin of a product or service, or to indicate that it meets a specific standard or quality. Allowing anyone to reuse or modify your logo or trademark as a matter of copyright could result in your inability to limit use of your logo or trademark selectively to accomplish those purposes. Applying a CC license to your trademarks and logos could even result in a loss of your trademark rights altogether. See [[#Can_I_place_a_trademark_on_a_work_and_offer_the_work_under_a_CC_license_without_also_licensing_or_otherwise_affecting_rights_in_the_trademark.3F_If_so.2C_how.3F|below]] for more about how to license material that includes a trademark or logo.

There are other ways to share your logos and trademarks widely while preserving your trademark rights. Establishing a trademark policy that grants permissions in advance for limited uses is one common alternative. [http://www.mozilla.org/foundation/trademarks/policy.html Mozilla], [http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Trademark_policy Wikimedia], and [http://creativecommons.org/policies Creative Commons] have each published policies that accomplish the dual objectives of encouraging reuse and preserving trademark rights.



====May I apply a Creative Commons license to a work in the public domain?====
CC licenses should not be applied to works in the worldwide [[#What_is_the_public_domain.3F|public domain]]. All CC licenses are clear that they [[#Do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_exceptions_and_limitations_to_copyright.2C_such_as_fair_dealing_and_fair_use.3F|do not have the effect]] of placing restrictions on material that would otherwise be unrestricted, and you cannot remove a work from the public domain by applying a CC license to it. If you want to dedicate your own work to the public domain before the expiration of applicable copyright or similar rights, use CC's legally robust [http://creativecommons.org/about/cc0|CC0 public domain dedication]. If a work is already in the worldwide public domain, you should mark it with CC's [http://creativecommons.org/about/pdm Public Domain Mark].

Note that, in some cases, a work may be in the public domain under the copyright laws of some jurisdictions but not others. For example, U.S. government works are in the public domain under the copyright law of the United States, but may be protected by copyright laws in other jurisdictions. A CC license applied to such a work would be effective (and the license restrictions enforceable) in jurisdictions where copyright protection exists, but would not be operative if U.S. copyright law is determined to be the applicable law.

Creators may also apply Creative Commons licenses to material they create that are adapted from public domain works, or to remixed material, databases, or collections that include work in the public domain. However, in each of these instances, the license does not affect parts of the work that are unrestricted by copyright or similar rights. We strongly encourage you to [[Marking/Creators/Marking_third_party_content|mark the public domain material]], so that others know they are also free to use this material without legal restriction.


====If I take a photograph of another work that is in the public domain, can I apply a CC license to my photo? ====
That depends. You can apply a CC license to your photograph if your photograph constitutes a work of original authorship, a question that varies by jurisdiction. As a general matter, your photograph must involve some creative choices, such as background setting, lighting, angle, or other mark of creativity. In the United States, an exact photographic copy of a public domain work is not subject to copyright because there is no originality (even if there is effort or “sweat” exerted in its creation).

In practice, if your photograph is sufficiently creative to attract copyright protection, people will likely have to comply with the license conditions if they reproduce your entire photograph in verbatim form, absent some applicable exception or limitation such as fair use. However, [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not.2C_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|they would not have to comply with the license conditions if they reproduce only those parts of the work in the public domain]]. This is because your copyright in the adaptation only extends to the material you contributed, not to the underlying work.

====May I apply a CC license to my work if it incorporates material used under fair use or another exception or limitation to copyright?====
Yes, but it is important to prominently mark any third party material you incorporate into your work so reusers do not think the CC license applies to that material. The CC license only applies to the rights you have in the work. For example, if your CC-licensed slide deck includes a Flickr image you are using pursuant to fair use, make sure to identify that image as not being subject to the CC license. For more information about incorporating work owned by others, see our page about [[Marking/Creators/Marking_third_party_content|marking third party content]]. Read more considerations for licensors [[Before_Licensing#Considerations_for_licensors|here]].

===Rights other than copyright===
====Can I use CC licenses to license rights other than copyright?====
CC licenses are copyright licenses, but the latest version of CC licenses also cover certain other rights similar to copyright, including [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_are_neighboring_rights.3F|performance, broadcast, and sound recording rights]], as well as [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]]. You may apply a 4.0 license to material subject to any of those rights, whether or not the material is also subject to copyright. Note that the scope of prior versions of CC licenses was more limited. You should refer to our [[License Versions|license versions page]] for details.

====How do Creative Commons licenses affect my moral rights, if at all?====
As a general matter, all CC licenses preserve [[#What_are_moral_rights.3F|moral rights]] to the extent they exist (they do not exist everywhere), but allow uses of the work in ways contemplated by the license that might otherwise violate moral rights. If you apply a 4.0 license to your material, you agree to waive or not assert any moral rights you have, to the limited extent necessary to allow the public to exercise the licensed rights. This is designed to minimize the effect of moral rights on licensees’ ability to use the work, and ensure that the license works internationally as intended. The attribution requirement contained in all of our licenses is intended to satisfy the moral right of attribution, but it must be adhered to whether or not the applicable jurisdiction recognizes moral rights.

[[License Versions|Earlier versions]] of the license are also intended to minimize the effect of moral rights on otherwise-permitted uses, but the language in the licenses differs. Additionally, jurisdiction ports of earlier versions of CC licenses often contain versions of the moral rights language designed to account for moral rights legislation in a particular jurisdiction. If you are applying a ported license to your work, you may wish to review the moral rights language in the particular license.

You can also [[Jurisdiction_Database|compare how different jurisdictions have implemented this provision]], or [[License_versions|browse the license versions page]] to compare the treatment of this issue across the different versions of the CC licenses.



====Can I offer material under a CC license that has my trademark on it without also licensing or affecting rights in the trademark?====
Yes, you may offer material under a Creative Commons license that includes a trademark indicating the source of the work without affecting rights in the trademark, because trademark rights are not licensed by the CC licenses. However, applying the CC license may create an implied license to use the trademark in connection with the licensed material, although not in ways that require permission under trademark law. To avoid any uncertainty, Creative Commons recommends that licensors who wish to mark material with trademarks or other branding materials give notice to licensors expressly disclaiming application of the license to those elements. This can be done in the copyright notice, but could also be noted on the website where the work is published.

The following is an example notice:

“''The text of and illustrations in this document are licensed by Red Hat under a Creative Commons Attribution–Share Alike 3.0 Unported license ("CC-BY-SA"). . . . Red Hat, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, the Shadowman logo, JBoss, MetaMatrix, Fedora, the Infinity Logo, and RHCE are trademarks of Red Hat, Inc., registered in the United States and other countries. For guidelines on the permitted uses of the Fedora trademarks, refer to https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Legal:Trademark_guidelines.''”

====How are publicity, privacy, and personality rights affected when I apply a CC license? ====
When you apply the latest version (4.0) of a CC license to your material, you also agree to waive or not assert any [[#What_are_publicity.2C_personality.2C_and_privacy_rights.3F|publicity, privacy, or personality rights]] that you hold in the material you are licensing, to the limited extent necessary for others to exercise the licensed rights. For example, if you have licensed a photograph of yourself, you may not assert your right of privacy to have the photo removed from further distribution. (Under the 3.0 and earlier licenses, this is implied but not explicit.) If you do not wish to license these rights in this way, you should not apply a CC license to the material where this is a concern.

If there are any third parties who may have publicity, privacy, or personality rights that apply, those rights are not affected by your application of a CC license, and a reuser must seek permission for relevant uses. If you are aware of any such third party rights in the material you are licensing, we recommend [[Marking/Creators/Marking_third_party_content|marking the material]] to give notice to reusers.

===Business models===

====Can I apply a CC license to low-resolution copies of a licensed work and reserve more rights in high-resolution copies?====
You may license your copyright or distribute your work under more than one set of terms. For example, you may publish a photograph on your website, but only distribute high-resolution copies to people who have paid for access. This is a practice CC supports. However, if the low-resolution and high-resolution copies are the [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_do_I_know_if_a_low-resolution_photo_and_a_high-resolution_photo_are_the_same_work.3F|same work under applicable copyright law]], permission under a CC license is not limited to a particular copy, and someone who receives a copy in high resolution may use it under the terms of the CC license applied to the low-resolution copy.

Note that, although CC [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_enter_into_separate_or_supplemental_agreements_with_users_of_my_work.3F|strongly discourages the practice]], CC cannot prevent licensors from attempting to impose restrictions through separate agreements on uses the license otherwise would allow. In that case, licensees may be [[FAQ#What_if_I_have_received_CC-licensed_material_with_additional_restrictions.3F|contractually restricted]] from using the high-resolution copy, for example, even if the licensor has placed a CC license on the low-resolution copy.

====Can I use a Creative Commons license if I am a member of a collecting society?====

Creators and other rights holders may wish to check with their [[#What_are_collecting_societies.3F|collecting society]] before applying a CC license to their material. Many rights holders who are members of a collecting society can waive the right to collect royalties for uses allowed under the license, but only to the extent their societies allow.

Collecting societies in several countries including Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Norway, Spain, Taiwan, and the Netherlands take an assignment of rights from creators in present and future works and manage them, so that the societies effectively become the owner of these rights. (In France it is called a “mandate” of rights but has similar practical effect.) Creators in these jurisdictions who belong to collecting societies may not be able to license their material under CC licenses because the collecting societies own the necessary rights, not the creators. CC is [[Collecting_Society_Projects|working with several collecting societies]] and running pilot programs that allow creators to use CC licenses in some circumstances.

If you are already a member of a collecting society and want to use CC licenses, you are welcome to encourage your collecting society to give you the option of Creative Commons licensing.

====Can I still make money from a work I make available under a Creative Commons license?====
Yes. One of our goals is to encourage creators and rights holders to experiment with new ways to promote and market their work. There are several possible ways of doing this.

CC's [[#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F|NonCommercial (NC)]] licenses allow rights holders to maximize distribution while maintaining control of the commercialization of their works. If you want to reserve the right to commercialize your work, you may do this by choosing a license with the NC condition. If someone else wants to use your work commercially and you have applied an NC license to your work, they must first get your permission. As the rights holder, you may still sell your own work commercially.

You may also use funding models that do not depend on using an NC license. For example, many artists and creators use crowdfunding to fund their work before releasing it under a less restrictive license. Others use a “freemium” model where the basic content is free, but extras such as a physical printed version or special access to a members-only website are for paying customers only.

For more information and ideas, [http://thepowerofopen.org/ The Power of Open] presents case studies of artists, businesspeople, and organizations who use CC.

===Alterations and additions to the license===

====Can I insist on the exact placement of the attribution credit?====
No. CC licenses allow for flexibility in the way credit is provided depending on the medium, means, and context in which a licensee is redistributing licensed material. For example, providing attribution to the creator when using licensed material in a blog post may be different than doing so in a video remix. This flexibility facilitates compliance by licensees and reduces uncertainty about different types of reuse—minimizing the risk that overly onerous and inflexible attribution requirements are simply disregarded.


====Can I change the license terms or conditions?====
Yes—but if you change the terms and conditions of any Creative Commons license, you ''must no longer call, label, or describe the license as a “Creative Commons” or “CC” license'', nor can you use the [http://creativecommons.org/policies Creative Commons logos, buttons, or other trademarks] in connection with the modified license or your materials. Keep in mind that altering terms and conditions is distinct from [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_waive_license_terms_or_conditions.3F|waiving existing conditions or granting additional permissions]] than those in the licenses. Licensors may always do so, and many choose to do so using the [[CCPlus|CC+ protocol]] to readily signal the waiver or additional permission on the CC license deed.

CC does not assert copyright in the text of its licenses, so you are permitted to modify the text as long as you do not use the CC marks to describe it. However, we do not recommend this. We also advise against [[Modifying_the_CC_licenses|modifying our licenses]] through indirect means, such as in your terms of service. A modified license very likely will not be compatible with the same CC license (unmodified) applied to other material. This would prevent licensees from using, combining, or remixing content under your customized license with other content under the same or compatible CC licenses.

Modifying licenses creates friction that confuses users and undermines the key benefits of public, standardized licenses. Central to our licenses is the grant of a standard set of permissions in advance, without requiring users to ask for permission or seek clarification before using the work. This encourages sharing and facilitates reuse, since everyone knows what to expect and the burden of negotiating permissions on a case by case basis is eliminated.

====Can I waive license terms or conditions?====
Yes. You may always choose to waive some license terms or conditions. Material licensed under a CC license but with additional permissions granted or conditions waived may be compatibly licensed with other material under the same license. Our [[CCPlus |CC+ protocol]] provides a mechanism for facilitating that grant or waiver.


====Can I enter into separate or supplemental agreements with users of my work?====
Yes. CC licenses are nonexclusive. Licensors always have the option of entering into separate arrangements for the sharing of their material in addition to applying a CC license. However, those different arrangements are not “CC” or “Creative Commons” licenses.

'''Separate agreements:''' You may offer the licensed material under other licenses in addition to the CC license (a practice commonly referred to as "dual licensing"). For example, you may wish to license a video game soundtrack under both a CC license and the GPL, so that it may be used under either set of terms. A reuser may then choose which set of terms to comply with. Or, for example, you may offer your material to the public under a NonCommercial license, but offer commercial permissions to fee-paying customers.

'''Supplemental agreements:''' Problems arise when licensors design those terms or arrangements to serve not as separate, alternative licensing arrangements but as supplemental terms [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_change_the_license_terms_or_conditions.3F|having the effect of changing the standard terms within the CC license]]. While you may offer separate terms and conditions to other parties, you should not do so in such a way that would neutralize terms of the CC license.

Except in the limited situation where [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_waive_license_terms_or_conditions.3F|more permissions are being granted or license conditions are waived]], if the additional arrangement modifies or conflicts with the CC license terms, then the resulting licensing arrangement is no longer a CC licensing arrangement. To avoid confusing those who may mistakenly believe the work is licensed under standard CC terms, we must insist that in these instances licensors not use our [http://creativecommons.org/policies trademarks, names, and logos] in connection with their custom licensing arrangement.

It should be noted that any agreements you make with other parties only have an effect on the other parties to that agreement, and do not apply to anyone else receiving the licensed material. For example, if there are terms of use that apply to visitors to your website on which you host CC-licensed material, your terms of use may apply to visitors to that website, but not to anyone who receives copies of the CC-licensed material elsewhere. Even for the visitors to your website, any separate terms and conditions do not become part of the license—they remain a separate contractual agreement, and violation of this agreement does not constitute copyright infringement.

===After licensing===


====What happens if I offer my material under a Creative Commons license and someone misuses them?====
A CC license [[#How_can_I_lose_my_rights_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F_If_that_happens.2C_how_do_I_get_them_back.3F|terminates automatically]] when its conditions are violated. For example, if a reuser of CC-licensed material does not provide the attribution required when sharing the work, then the user no longer has the right to continue using the material and may be liable for copyright infringement. The license is terminated for the user who violated the license. However, all other users still have a valid license, so long as they are in compliance.

Under the 4.0 licenses, a licensee automatically gets these rights back if she fixes the violation within 30 days of discovering it.

If you apply a Creative Commons license and a user violates the license conditions, you may opt to contact the person directly to ask them to rectify the situation or consult a lawyer to act on your behalf. Creative Commons is not a law firm and cannot represent you or give you legal advice, but there are [[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F|lawyers who have identified themselves as interested in representing people in CC-related matters]].


====What can I do if I offer my material under a Creative Commons license and I do not like the way someone uses it?====
As long as users abide by license terms and conditions, licensors cannot control how the material is used. However, CC licenses do provide several mechanisms that allow licensors to choose not to be associated with their material or to uses of their material with which they disagree.

First, all CC licenses [[#Do_I_need_to_be_aware_of_anything_else_when_providing_attribution.3F|prohibit using the attribution requirement to suggest that the licensor endorses or supports a particular use]]. Second, licensors may waive the attribution requirement, choosing not to be identified as the licensor, if they wish. Third, if the licensor does not like how the material has been modified or used, CC licenses require that the licensee [[License_Versions#Licensors_may_request_removal_of_attribution|remove the attribution information upon request]]. (In 3.0 and earlier, this is only a requirement for adaptations and collections; in 4.0, this also applies to the unmodified work.) Finally, anyone modifying licensed material must [[License_Versions#Modifications_and_adaptations_must_be_indicated|indicate that the original has been modified]]. This ensures that changes made to the original material--whether or not the licensor approves of them--are not attributed back to the licensor.



====What do I do if someone tries to place effective technological measures (such as DRM) on my CC-licensed material?====
The use of [[#Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_use_effective_technological_measures_.28such_as_DRM.29_when_I_share_CC-licensed_material.3F|any effective technical protection measures (such as digital rights management or "DRM")]] by licensees to prevent others from exercising the licensed rights is prohibited.

Not all kinds of encryption or [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_share_CC-licensed_material_on_password-protected_sites.3F|access limitations]] are prohibited by the licenses. For example, sending content via email and encrypting it with the recipient's public key does not restrict use of the work by the recipient. Likewise, limiting recipients to a particular set of users (for example, by requiring a username and password to enter a site) does not restrict further use of the content by the recipients. In these examples, these things do not prevent the recipient from exercising all of the rights granted by the license, including the right to redistribute it further.

If someone is applying effective technological measures to your CC-licensed material that do restrict exercise of the licensed rights (such as applying DRM that restricts copying), this is a violation of the license terms unless you have chosen to grant this permission separately.

====When I release my work under a CC license in one format (e.g., .pdf), can I restrict licensees from changing it to or using it in other formats?====
No. CC licenses grant permission to use the licensed material in any media or format regardless of the format in which it has been made available. This is true even if you have applied a NoDerivatives license to your work. Once a CC license is applied to a work in one format or medium, a licensee may use the same work in any other format or medium without violating the licensor’s copyright.


====What if I change my mind about using a CC license?====

CC licenses are not revocable. Once something has been published under a CC license, licensees may continue using it according to the license terms for the duration of applicable copyright and similar rights. As a licensor, you may stop distributing under the CC license at any time, but anyone who has access to a copy of the material may continue to redistribute it under the CC license terms. While you cannot revoke the license, CC licenses do provide a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_can_I_do_if_I_offer_my_work_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_I_do_not_like_the_way_someone_uses_my_work.3F|mechanism]] for licensors to ask that others using their material remove the attribution information. You should [[Considerations for licensors and licensees|think carefully before choosing a Creative Commons license]].

==For Licensees==
===Before using CC-licensed material===


====What should I think about before using material offered under a Creative Commons license?====
CC offers [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ six core licenses], each of which grants a different set of permissions. Before you use CC-licensed material, [http://creativecommons.org/about/licenses/ you should review the terms of the particular license] to be sure your anticipated use is permitted. If you wish to use the work in a manner that is not permitted by the license, you should contact the rights holder (often the creator) to get permission first, or look for an alternative work that is licensed in a way that permits your anticipated use. Note that if you use material in a way that is not permitted by the applicable license and your use is not otherwise permitted by an applicable copyright exception or limitation, the license is [[#How_can_I_lose_my_rights_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F_If_that_happens.2C_how_do_I_get_them_back.3F|automatically terminated]] and you may be liable for copyright infringement, even if you are eligible to have your rights reinstated later.

Before using material offered under a Creative Commons license, you should know that [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_a_Creative_Commons_license_give_me_all_the_rights_I_need_to_use_the_work.3F|CC licenses only grant permissions needed under copyright and similar rights]], and there may be additional rights you need to use it as intended. You should also understand that licensors do not offer warranties or guarantees about the material they are licensing unless expressly indicated otherwise. All materials are licensed "AS IS" and a disclaimer of warranties applies unless expressly provided otherwise. If you want to ask for a warranty or guarantee about rights to use the material, you should talk with the licensor before using it.


====Does a Creative Commons license give me all the rights I need to use the work?====
It depends. CC licenses do not license rights other than copyright and [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_use_CC_licenses_to_license_rights_other_than_copyright.3F|similar rights]] (which include [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]] in version 4.0). For example, they do not license trademark or patent rights, or the [[#What_are_publicity.2C_personality.2C_and_privacy_rights.3F|publicity, personality, and privacy rights]] of third parties. However, licensors agree to waive or not assert any [[#What_are_moral_rights.3F|moral rights]], publicity rights, personality rights, or privacy rights they themselves hold, to the limited extent necessary to allow exercise of the licensed rights. Any rights outside of the scope of the license may require clearance (i.e., permission) in order to use the work as you would like.

Additionally, creative works sometimes incorporate works owned by others (known as "third party content"), often used pursuant to a CC license or under an exception or limitation to copyright such as fair use in the U.S. You should make sure you have permission to use any third party content contained in the work you want to use, or that your use is otherwise allowed under the laws of your jurisdiction, particularly in cases such as fair use where your right to use the content depends on the particular context in which you plan to use it.

All CC licenses contain a disclaimer of warranties, meaning that the licensor is not guaranteeing anything about the work, including whether she owns the copyright, has received permission to include third-party content within her work, or secured other rights such as through the use of model releases if a person's image is used in the work. You [[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F|may wish to obtain legal advice]] before using CC-licensed material if you are not sure whether you have all the rights you need.

====What if there are sui generis database rights that apply to my use of a CC-licensed database?====
In the somewhat limited circumstances where sui generis database rights apply to your use, special conditions apply and there are more specific considerations you should be aware of. Under 4.0, sui generis database rights are licensed alongside copyright, but the treatment in earlier versions of the license varies. A fuller explanation of these variations and related considerations is available in the [[Data|Data FAQ]].

====Where can I find material offered under a CC license?====
If you are looking for material offered under a Creative Commons license, [http://search.creativecommons.org/ CC Search] is a good starting point. There is also a [[Content_Directories|directory]] of organizations and individuals who use CC licenses. Some media sites, such as [http://www.flickr.com/ Flickr], have search filters for material licensed using CC's licenses.

Be sure to confirm that the material you want to use is actually under a CC license, as search results may sometimes be misleading.


====Are Creative Commons works really free to use?====
Yes. While many if not most CC-licensed works are available at no cost, some licensors charge for initial access to CC-licensed works—for example, by publishing CC-licensed content only to subscribers, or by charging for downloads. However, even if you have paid an access charge, once you have a copy of CC-licensed material, you may make any further uses permitted by the license without paying licensing fees.

(If you wish to make uses that are not permitted by the license—for example, making a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F|commercial use]] of an NC-licensed photo—the licensor may charge for those additional rights.)

====What should I know about differences between the international licenses and the ported licenses?====
As a licensee, you should always read and understand the relevant license's legal code before using CC-licensed material, particularly if you are using material that is licensed using a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F|ported license]] with which you are unfamiliar. Our porting process involved adapting the international licenses to the legal framework of different jurisdictions, and in that process slight adjustments may have been made that you should make yourself aware of in advance of using the material. You can find more information about the ported licenses in the [[Jurisdiction Database]].

There are currently no ported versions of 4.0, and we expect there will be few, if any, in the future. All official translations of the 4.0 international licenses are equivalent: you may substitute one for another depending on your preferred language.

However, the ported versions of 3.0 and earlier sometimes contain small differences from the international license depending on the ways in which they have been adapted to their jurisdictions. For example, a handful of the ported licenses contain provisions specifying which laws will apply in the event the licensor chooses to enforce the license, and a few of the ported licenses contain forum selection clauses.

===General license compliance===


====What happens if I want to use the material in a way that is not permitted by the license?====
Contact the rights holders to ask for permission. Otherwise, [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not.2C_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|unless an exception or limitation to copyright applies]], your use of the material may violate the Creative Commons license. If you violate the terms of the license, your rights to use the material will be [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_can_I_lose_my_rights_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F_If_that_happens.2C_how_do_I_get_them_back.3F|automatically terminated]], and you may be liable for copyright infringement.

====Do I always have to comply with the license terms? If not, what are the exceptions?====
You need to comply with the license terms if what you are doing would otherwise require permission from the rights holder. If your use would not require permission from the rights holder because it falls under an exception or limitation, such as fair use, or because the material has come into the public domain, the license does not apply, and you do not need to comply with its terms and conditions. Additionally, if you are using an excerpt small enough to be uncopyrightable, the license does not apply to your use, and you do not need to comply with its terms.

However, if you are using excerpts of CC-licensed material which individually are minimal and do not require license compliance, but together make up a significant copyrightable chunk, you must comply with the license terms. For example, if you quote many individual lines from a poem across several sections of a blog post, and your use is not a fair use, you must comply with the license even though no individual line would have been a substantial enough portion of the work to require this.

===Attribution===


====How do I properly attribute material offered under a Creative Commons license?====
All CC licenses require users to attribute the creator of licensed material, unless the creator has [[#Can_I_waive_license_terms_or_conditions.3F|waived that requirement]], not supplied a name, or [[#What_can_I_do_if_I_offer_my_material_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_I_do_not_like_the_way_someone_uses_it.3F|asked that her name be removed]]. Additionally, you must retain a copyright notice, a link to the license (or to the deed), a license notice, a notice about the disclaimer of warranties, and a URI if reasonable. For versions prior to 4.0, you must also provide the title of the work. (Though it is not a requirement in 4.0, it is still recommended if one is supplied.)

You must also indicate if you have [[License_Versions#Modifications_and_adaptations_must_be_marked_as_such|modified the work]]—for example, if you have taken an excerpt, or cropped a photo. (For versions prior to 4.0, this is only required if you have created an adaptation by contributing your own creative material, but it is recommended even when not required.) It is not necessary to note trivial alterations, such as correcting a typo or changing a font size. Finally, you must retain an indication of previous modifications to the work.

CC licenses have a flexible attribution requirement, so there is not necessarily one correct way to provide attribution. The proper method for giving credit will depend on the medium and means you are using, and may be implemented in any reasonable manner. Additionally, you may satisfy the attribution requirement by providing a link to a place where the attribution information may be found.

While the attribution requirements in the license are the minimum requirement, we always recommend that you [[Marking/Users|follow the best practices]] for the kind of use you are making. For example, if you are using scientific data marked with CC0, you are not required to give attribution at all, but we recommend that you give the same credit you would give to any other source—not because the license requires it, but because that is the standard for letting others know the source of the data.

The CC website offers some [[Marking/Users|best practices]] to help you attribute properly, and the [http://www.creativecommons.org.au/ CC Australia] team has developed a [http://creativecommons.org.au/content/attributingccmaterials.pdf helpful guide to attributing CC-licensed material (.pdf)] in different formats. Note that the attribution and marking requirements vary slightly among license versions. See [[License_Versions#Detailed_attribution_comparison_chart|here for a chart comparing the specific requirements]].


====Do I need to be aware of anything else when providing attribution?====
Yes. You need to be careful not to imply any sponsorship, endorsement, or connection with the licensor or attribution party without their permission. Wrongfully implying that a creator, publisher, or anyone else endorses you or your use of a work may be unlawful. Creative Commons makes the obligation not to imply endorsement explicit in its licenses. In addition, if the licensor of a work [[#What_can_I_do_if_I_offer_my_material_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_I_do_not_like_the_way_someone_uses_it.3F|requests that you remove the identifying credit]], you must do so to the extent practical.

Additionally, when you are using a work that is an adaptation of one or more pre-existing works, you may need to [[Marking/Creators/Marking_third_party_content|give credit to the creator(s) of the pre-existing work(s)]], in addition to giving credit to the creator of the adaptation.

====Do I always have to attribute the creator of the licensed material?====
You must attribute the creator when you provide material to the public by any means that is restricted by copyright or similar rights. If you are using the material personally but are not making it or any adaptations of it available to others, you do not have to attribute the licensor. Similarly, if you are only distributing the material or adaptations of it within your company or organization, you do not have to comply with the attribution requirement. Learn [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not.2C_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|more]] about when compliance with the license is not required.

===Using licensed material===


====Does my use violate the NonCommercial clause of the licenses?====
CC's NonCommercial (NC) licenses prohibit uses that are "primarily intended for or directed toward commercial advantage or monetary compensation." This is intended to capture the intention of the NC-using community without placing detailed restrictions that are either too broad or too narrow. Please note that CC's definition does not turn on the type of user: if you are a nonprofit or charitable organization, your use of an NC-licensed work could still run afoul of the NC restriction, and if you are a for-profit entity, your use of an NC-licensed work does not necessarily mean you have violated the term. Whether a use is commercial will depend on the specifics of the situation and the intentions of the user.

In CC's experience, it is usually relatively easy to determine whether a use is permitted, and known conflicts are relatively few considering the popularity of the NC licenses. However, there will always be uses that are challenging to categorize as commercial or noncommercial. CC cannot advise you on what is and is not commercial use. If you are unsure, you should either contact the rights holder for clarification, or search for works that permit commercial uses.

CC has a [[NonCommercial interpretation|brief guide]] to interpretation of the NC license that goes into more detail about the meaning of the NC license and some key points to pay attention to. Additionally, in 2008, [[Defining_Noncommercial|Creative Commons published results]] from a survey on meanings of commercial and noncommercial use generally. Note that the results of the study are not intended to serve as CC's official interpretation of what is and is not commercial use under our licenses, and the results should not be relied upon as such.

====Can I take a CC-licensed work and use it in a different format?====
Yes. When any of the six CC licenses is applied to material, licensees are granted permission to use the material as the license allows, whatever the media or format chosen by the user when it is used or distributed further. This is true even in our NoDerivatives licenses. This is one of a very few default rules established in our licenses, to harmonize what may be different outcomes depending on where CC-licensed material is reused and what jurisdiction’s copyright law applies.

This means, for example, that even if a creator distributes a work in digital format, you have permission to print and share a hard copy of the same work.


====How do I know if a low-resolution photo and a high-resolution photo are the same work?====
As with most copyright questions, it will depend on applicable law. Generally, to be different works under copyright law, there must be expressive or original choices made that make one work a separate and distinct work from another. The determination depends on the standards for copyright in the relevant jurisdiction.

Under U.S. copyright law, for example, mechanical reproduction of a work into a different format [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridgeman_Art_Library_v._Corel_Corp. is unlikely to create a separate, new work]. Consequently, digitally enhancing or changing the format of a work ''absent some originality'', such as expressive choices made in the enhancement or encoding, will not likely create a separate work for copyright purposes. The creative bar is low, but it is not non-existent. Accordingly, in some jurisdictions releasing a photograph under a CC license will give the public permission to reuse the photograph in a different resolution.

====Can I use effective technological measures (such as DRM) when I share CC-licensed material?====
No. When you receive material under a Creative Commons license, you may not place additional terms and conditions on the reuse of the work. This includes using effective technological measures (ETMs) that would restrict a licensee’s ability to exercise the licensed rights.

A technological measure is considered an ETM if circumventing it carries penalties under laws fulfilling obligations under Article 11 of the WIPO Copyright Treaty adopted on December 20, 1996, or similar international agreements. Generally, this means that the anti-circumvention laws of various jurisdictions would cover attempts to break it.

For example, if you remix a CC-licensed song, and you wish to share it on a music site that places digital copy-restriction on all uploaded files, you may not do this without express permission from the licensor. However, if you upload that same file to your own site or any other site that does not apply DRM to the file, and a listener chooses to stream it through an app that applies DRM, you have not violated the license.

Note that merely converting material into a different format that is difficult to access or is only available for certain platforms does not violate the restriction; you may do this without violating the license terms.

====Can I share CC-licensed material on password-protected sites?====
Yes. This is not considered to be a prohibited measure, so long as the protection is merely limiting who may access the content, and does not restrict the authorized recipients from exercising the licensed rights. For example, you may post material under any CC license on a site restricted to members of a certain school, or to paying customers, but [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_use_effective_technological_measures_.28such_as_DRM.29_when_I_share_CC-licensed_material.3F|you may not place effective technological measures (including DRM) on the files]] that prevents them from sharing the material elsewhere.

(Note that charging for access may not be permitted with NC-licensed material; however, it is not disallowed by the restriction on ETMs.)

====Can I share CC-licensed material on file-sharing networks?====
Yes. All CC licenses allow redistribution of the unmodified material by any means, including distribution via file-sharing networks. Note that file-trading is expressly considered to be noncommercial for purposes of compliance with the NC licenses. Barter of NC-licensed material for other items of value is not permitted.

===Additional restrictions on licensed material===

====What if I received CC-licensed material encumbered with effective technological measures (such as DRM)?====
If you have received material under a CC license that is encumbered with effective technological measures (such as digital rights management or DRM), you may or may not be permitted to break it, depending on the circumstances. By releasing material under a CC license, the licensor agrees not to assert any rights she may have to prevent the circumvention of effective technological measures. (Under the 3.0 and earlier licenses, this is implied but not explicit.) However, if she has uploaded it to a site or other distribution channel that itself applies such measures, that site may have the right to prevent you from breaking them, even though the licensor herself cannot do so.

Note that anti-circumvention laws can impose criminal liability in some jurisdictions.

====What if I have received CC-licensed material with additional restrictions?====
It is possible that CC-licensed material will appear on platforms that impose terms in addition to the copyright license (though [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_enter_into_separate_or_supplemental_agreements_with_users_of_my_work.3F|Creative Commons strongly discourages restrictions that interfere with exercise of the licensed rights]]). These additional terms do not form part of the license for the work. For example, if you download CC-licensed material from a site that does not permit downloading, you may be breaking the terms of use of the site, but you are not infringing the CC license. See our guide to [[Modifying the CC licenses]] for more guidance and information.

===Combining and adapting CC material===

====When is my use considered an adaptation?====
Whether a modification of licensed material is considered an [[#What_is_an_adaptation.3F|adaptation]] for the purpose of CC licenses depends primarily on the applicable copyright law. Copyright law reserves to an original creator the right to create adaptations of the original work. CC licenses that allow for adaptations to be shared—all except BY-ND and BY-NC-ND—grant permission to others to create and redistribute adaptations when doing so would otherwise constitute a violation of applicable copyright law. Generally, a modification rises to the level of an adaptation under copyright law when the modified work is based on the prior work but manifests sufficient new creativity to be copyrightable, such as a translation of a novel from one language to another, or the creation of a screenplay based on a novel.

Under CC licenses, synching music in timed relation with a moving image is always considered an adaptation, whether or not it would be considered so under applicable law. Also, under version 4.0, certain uses of databases restricted by sui generis database rights also constitute adaptations (called "Adapted Material" in the 4.0 licenses), whether or not they would be considered adaptations under copyright law. For more details about adaptations in the database context, see the [[Data|Data FAQ]].

Note that all CC licenses allow the user to exercise the rights permitted under the license [[#Can_I_take_a_CC-licensed_work_and_use_it_in_a_different_format.3F|in any format or medium]]. Those changes are not considered adaptations even if applicable law would suggest otherwise. For example, you may redistribute a book that uses the CC [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ BY-NC-ND] license in print form when it was originally distributed online, even if you have had to make formatting changes to do so, as long as you do so in compliance with the other terms of the license.

'''''Note on terminology: throughout these FAQs, we use the term "remix" interchangeably with “adapt.” Both are designed to mean doing something that constitutes an [[FAQ#What_is_an_adaptation.3F|adaptation under copyright law]].'''''




====Can I combine material under different Creative Commons licenses in my work?====
It depends. The first question to ask is whether doing so constitutes an [[FAQ#When_is_my_use_considered_an_adaptation.3F|adaptation.]] If the combination does '''''not''''' create an adaptation, then you may combine any CC-licensed content so long as you provide attribution and comply with the NonCommercial restriction if it applies. If you want to combine material in a way that results in the creation of an adaptation (i.e. a “remix”), then you must pay attention to the particular license that applies to the content you want to combine.

The NoDerivatives licenses do not permit remixing except for private use (the pre-4.0 licenses do not permit remixing at all, except as allowed by exceptions and limitations to copyright). All the other CC licenses allow remixes, but may impose limitations or conditions on how the remix may be used. For example, if you create a remix with material licensed under a ShareAlike license, you need to make sure that all of the material contributed to the remix is licensed under the same license or [http://creativecommons.org/compatiblelicenses one that CC has named as compatible], and you must [[Marking/Users|properly credit all of the sources]] with the [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_do_I_properly_attribute_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F|required attribution]] and license information. Similarly, if you want to use a remix for [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F|commercial purposes]], you cannot incorporate material released under one of the NonCommercial licenses.

The chart below shows which CC-licensed material can be remixed. To use the chart, find a license on the left column and on the top right row. If there is a check mark in the box where that row and column intersect, then the works can be remixed. If there is an “X” in the box, then the works may not be remixed unless an exception or limitation applies. See [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#If_I_derive_or_adapt_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.2C_which_CC_license.28s.29_can_I_use.3F|below for details on how remixes may be licensed]].

[[File:CC_License_Compatibility_Chart.png|thumb|center|800px|alt=Creative Commons License Compatibility Chart|]]




====If I derive or adapt material offered under a Creative Commons license, which CC license(s) can I use?====
If you make [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#When_is_my_use_considered_an_adaptation.3F|adaptations]] of material under a CC license (i.e. "remix"), the original CC license always applies to the material you are adapting even once adapted. The license you may choose for your own contribution (called your "adapter's license") depends on which license applies to the original material. Recipients of the adaptation must comply with both the CC license on the original and your adapter’s license.

:=====BY and BY-NC material=====
When remixing BY or BY-NC material, it is generally recommended that your adapter's license include at least the same license elements as the license applied to the original material. This eases reuse for downstream users because they are able to satisfy both licenses by complying with the adapter's license. For example, if you adapt material licensed under BY-NC, your adapter's license should also contain the NC restriction. See the chart below for more details.

:=====BY-SA and BY-NC-SA material=====
In general, when remixing ShareAlike content, your adapter's license must be the same license as the license on the material you are adapting. All licenses after version 1.0 also allow you to license your contributions under a later version of the same license, and some also allow ported licenses. (See the [[License_Versions#Compatibility_mechanism_in_BY-SA_licenses|license versions page]] for details.) If you wish to adapt material under BY-SA or BY-NC-SA and release your contributions under a non-CC license, you should visit the [http://creativecommons.org/compatiblelicenses Compatibility page] to see which options are allowed.

:=====BY-ND and BY-NC-ND material=====
The BY-ND and BY-NC-ND licenses do not permit distribution of adaptations (also known as remixes or derivative works), and prohibits the creation of adaptations under the pre-4.0 versions of those licenses. Since you may not share remixes of these materials at all, there is no compatibility with other licenses. (Note that the ND licenses do allow you to reproduce the material in unmodified form together with other material in a collection, as indicated in the next FAQ.)

:=====Adapter's license chart=====
The chart below details the CC license(s) you may use as your adapter's license. When creating an adaptation of material under the license identified in the lefthand column, you may license your contributions to the adaptation under one of the licenses indicated on the top row if the corresponding box is green. CC does not recommend using a license if the corresponding box is yellow, although doing so is technically permitted by the terms of the license. If you do, you should take additional care to mark the adaptation as involving multiple copyrights under different terms so that downstream users are aware of their obligations to comply with the licenses from all rights holders. Dark gray boxes indicate those licenses that you may not use as your adapter's license.

{| style="width:600px;" border="1" cellpadding="10" class="wiki_table"
|-
| colspan="2" rowspan="2" | '''Adapter's license chart'''
| colspan="7" align="center" | Adapter's license
|-
| BY || BY-NC || BY-NC-ND || BY-NC-SA || BY-ND || BY-SA || PD
|-
| rowspan="7" style="width:12ex;" | Status of original work
| PD || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:yellow;" |  
|-
| BY-NC || style="background-color:yellow;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:yellow;" |   || style="background-color:yellow;" |   || style="background-color:yellow;" |  
|-
| BY-NC-ND || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |  
|-
| BY-NC-SA || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |  
|-
| BY-ND || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |  
|-
| BY-SA || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |  
|-
|}
{| style="width:600px;" border="1" cellpadding="10"
|-
| Abbreviation Key
*BY = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Attribution only]
*BY-ND = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Attribution-NoDerivatives]
*BY-NC-ND = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Attribution-NonCommercial- NoDerivatives]
*BY-NC = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Attribution-NonCommercial]
*BY-NC-SA = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ Attribution-NonCommercial- ShareAlike]
*BY-SA = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ Attribution-ShareAlike]
*PD = Dedicated to or marked as being in the public domain via one of our [http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain public domain tools], or other public domain material; adaptations of materials in the public domain may be built upon and licensed by the creator under any license terms desired.
|-
|}



====If I create a collection that includes a work offered under a CC license, which license(s) may I choose for the collection?====
All Creative Commons licenses (including the version 4.0 licenses) allow licensed material to be included in collections such as anthologies, encyclopedias, and broadcasts. You may choose a license for the collection, however this does not change the license applicable to the original material.

When you include CC-licensed content in a collection, you still must adhere to the license conditions governing your use of the material incorporated. For example, material under any of the Creative Commons NonCommercial licenses cannot be used [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F|commercially]]. The table below indicates what type of CC-licensed works you may incorporate into collections licensed for commercial and noncommercial uses.

{| style="width:400px;" border="1" cellpadding="10" class="wiki_table"
|-
| Original Work ||Commercial Collection (BY, BY-SA, BY-ND) || NonCommercial Collection (BY-NC, BY-NC-SA, BY-NC-ND)
|-
| PD || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-NC ||   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-NC-ND ||   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-NC-SA ||   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-ND || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-SA || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
|}

===License termination===
==== When do Creative Commons licenses expire? ====
Creative Commons licenses expire when the underlying copyright and similar rights expire.

Note that the relevant rights may expire at different times. For example, you may have a CC-licensed song where the rights in the musical arrangement expire before the rights in the lyrics. In this case, when the copyright in the music expires, you may use it [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not.2C_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|without being required to comply with the conditions of the CC license]]; however, you must still comply with the license if you use the lyrics.

====What happens if the author decides to revoke the CC license to material I am using?====
The CC licenses are irrevocable. This means that once you receive material under a CC license, you will always have the right to use it under those license terms, even if the licensor changes his or her mind and stops distributing under the CC license terms. Of course, you may choose to respect the licensor’s wishes and stop using the work.

====How can I lose my rights under a Creative Commons license? If that happens, how do I get them back?====
All of the CC licenses terminate if you fail to follow the license conditions. If this happens, you no longer have a license to use the material.

In the 4.0 licenses, your rights under the license are automatically reinstated if you correct this failure within 30 days of discovering the violation (either on your own or because the licensor or someone else has told you). Under the 3.0 and earlier licenses, there is no automatic reinstatement.

If you have lost your rights under a CC license and are not entitled to automatic reinstatement, you may regain your rights under the license if the licensor expressly grants you permission. You cannot simply re-download the material to get a new license.

Note that you may still be liable for damages for copyright infringement for the period where you were not in compliance with the license.

==Technical Questions==


====How do Creative Commons licenses and public domain tools work technically?====

The Creative Commons licenses have [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ three layers], as does the [http://creativecommons.org/about/cc0 CC0 public domain dedication]: the human-readable deed, the lawyer-readable legal code, and the machine-readable metadata. The [http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/ Public Domain Mark] is not legally operative, and so has only two layers: the human-readable mark and machine-readable metadata.

When material is licensed using any of the CC licenses or tools, it is highly recommended that a [http://creativecommons.org/about/downloads CC button], text, or other marker somehow accompany it. There are many possible modes for marking. For our licenses, people generally use the [http://creativecommons.org/choose CC license chooser] to generate HTML code that can be pasted into the webpage where the licensed material is published. CC0 and the Public Domain Mark have a separate [http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/ chooser]. Many platforms and web services such as [http://www.flickr.com Flickr] and [[Drupal]] support CC licensing directly, allowing you to select an appropriate license. The service then properly marks the work for you.

CC has published some best practices for [[Marking/Creators|marking]] your CC-licensed material, and recommends:

*Including a visual indicator (some combination of text and images) that the work is licensed with one of the CC licenses.
*Clearly indicating what material is covered under the CC license, especially if it's presented alongside non-licensed materials.
*Including a link to the human-readable deed (which itself contains a link to the legal code).
*Embedding [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_does_it_mean_that_Creative_Commons_licenses_are_.22machine_readable.22.3F|machine-readable]] metadata in the code of the license indicator or code of the licensed page.

'''See the [[Marking/Creators|marking]] page for more details.'''

====What does it mean that Creative Commons licenses are "machine-readable"?====

Creative Commons has [[CC REL|specified CC REL]] as a way to associate machine-readable licensing metadata with objects offered under CC licenses.

Before Creative Commons developed this vocabulary, it was difficult for a machine to ascertain whether an object was marked with a CC license. There was also no standard, predictable place to house metadata about that license (for example, the source URL of the work or the required mode of attribution).

Machine-readable metadata based on well-accepted metadata standards creates a platform upon which new services and applications can be built. Software and services can detect CC licenses and the details of that license, as described by the metadata. For example, on many websites and search engines such as Google and Flickr, you can run filtered searches for works offered under specific CC licenses. In addition, CC license deeds can automatically create copy-and-paste attribution code so users may easily comply with the BY condition of the licenses. When you click on a CC license or [http://creativecommons.org/about/downloads button] from a page with license metadata, you get copy-and-paste attribution HTML within that license deed page. That HTML is based on available RDFa metadata in the original material.

All HTML provided by the [http://creativecommons.org/choose CC license chooser] is automatically annotated with [[metadata]] in [[RDFa]] format.



====What is RDFa?====

[[RDFa]] is a method for embedding structured data in a web page. For more information about RDFa, see the following resources:

* [http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml-rdfa-primer/ RDFa Primer]: Bridging the Human and Data Webs
* [http://rdfa.info/ RDFa.info]
* [http://rdfa.info/wiki RDFa Wiki]


====What is CC REL and why does Creative Commons recommend it?====

[http://wiki.creativecommons.org/CC_REL Creative Commons Rights Expression Language] (CC REL) renders information about licenses and works machine-readable through standards that define the semantic web. Creative Commons wants to make it easy for creators and scientists to build upon the works of others when they choose; licensing your work for reuse and ﬁnding properly licensed works to reuse should be easy. CC recommends that you mark your licensed works with CC REL. The Creative Commons license chooser provides HTML annotated with CC REL, while the Creative Commons deeds recognize CC REL on web pages with works offered under a CC license, and use this metadata to enhance the deed for properly marked-up works, e.g., by providing copy and paste HTML that includes work attribution.

For more background information on CC REL, please refer to this [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/images/d/d6/Ccrel-1.0.pdf paper].

====What does it mean for a search engine to be CC-enabled?====

Some search engines (like [http://www.google.com/advanced_search?hl=en Google]) allow people to filter their search results by usage rights so that you can limit your search results according to the particular CC license you seek. For example, if you are looking for a photo to adapt, you can filter your search to return photos that have a CC license that permits creation of adaptations. You can generally find this search feature on the advanced search page of your selected search engine. You can also use [http://search.creativecommons.org CC Search], which offers a convenient interface to search and a list of those content providers that support searches for content based on usage rights.

Please note, however, that you should always double check to make sure that the work you locate through a search is licensed as you wish.




====How do I give users of my site the option to use CC licensing like Flickr does?====

Creative Commons provides tools for integrating license selection with your site. You can find an overview at the Web Integration article on the [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Web_Integration CC wiki]. The [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Partner_Interface Partner Interface] is a good way to get started and will always have the most up-to-date license versions and translations. However, there is also an [http://api.creativecommons.org/docs/ API] available if you want more control.

====How can I change or remove the Creative Commons search option built into the Firefox browser?====

Mozilla has included the Creative Commons search function in many versions of Firefox along with search options for Google, Amazon, and other popular sites. Please take a look at the [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Firefox_and_CC_Search Firefox article on the CC wiki] for an explanation of how to change these features.

If you want to add or remove a particular search option, click on the logo in the search box (for example, the CC logo or the Google logo). This will open the pull down menu, which will allow you to select different search providers. If you choose “Manage Search Engines,” you will be able to add or remove search engines. You can also alter the order in which the search providers appear on the pull down menu.

====Is Creative Commons involved in digital rights management (DRM)?====

No. CC licenses are a form of rights expression, not rights management. CC provides tools to make it easier for creators and owners to say which rights they reserve and permissions they grant. This is different from digital rights management (or “DRM”), which uses technological protection measures to prevent people from using the work in a way that the owner has not permitted.

CC licenses contain language prohibiting licensees from the use of effective technological measures (including DRM) to prevent access to licensed material: ”You may not offer or impose any additional or different terms or conditions on, or apply any Effective Technological Measures to, the Licensed Material if doing so restricts exercise of the Licensed Rights by any such recipient.”

While licensors may apply effective technological measures (ETMs) to their own materials, the licensor provides a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_if_I_received_CC-licensed_material_encumbered_with_effective_technological_measures_.28such_as_DRM.29.3F|limited permission to circumvent these measures]]: “The Licensor waives and/or agrees not to assert any right or authority to forbid You from making technical modifications necessary to exercise the Licensed Rights, including technical modifications necessary to circumvent Effective Technological Measures.” Note that this only applies to effective technological measures applied by licensors themselves: third parties such as distribution platforms may still apply ETMs if the licensor uploads there, and the license is not able to grant you permission to circumvent it.

==Legal Background==

====What is copyright and why does it matter?====

Copyright law grants exclusive rights to creators of original works of authorship. National laws usually extend protections to such works automatically once fixed in a tangible medium, prohibiting the making of copies without the rights holder’s permission, among other things. On the internet, even the most basic activities involve making copies of copyrighted content. As content is increasingly uploaded, downloaded, and shared online, copyright law is becoming more relevant to more people than it was 20 years ago. Unfortunately, infringing copyrights—even unintentionally or unknowingly—can lead to liability. Successful navigation of the internet requires some understanding of copyright law.

====What is the public domain?====

The public domain of copyright refers to the aggregate of those works that are not restricted by copyright within a given jurisdiction. A work may be part of the public domain because the applicable term of copyright has expired, because the rights holder surrendered copyright in the work with a tool like [http://creativecommons.org/about/cc0 CC0], or because the work did not meet the applicable standards for copyrightability.

Because the public domain depends on the copyright laws in force within a particular territory, sometimes a work may be considered “in the public domain” of one jurisdiction, but not in another. For example, [http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#105 U.S. government works are automatically in the public domain under U.S. copyright law], but might be restricted by copyright in other countries.

The [http://publicdomainmanifesto.org/ Public Domain Manifesto], the [http://fairuse.stanford.edu/Copyright_and_Fair_Use_Overview/chapter8/Stanford University Libraries] page, and the [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/CC0_FAQ CC0 FAQs] all contain additional information about the public domain.






====What do I need to do to get a copyright?====

Copyright in most jurisdictions attaches automatically without need for any formality once a creative work is fixed in tangible form (i.e. the minute you put pen to paper, take a photo, or hit the “save” button on your computer).

In some jurisdictions, creators may be required to register with a national agency in order to enforce copyright in court. If you would like more information, please consult the [http://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ip/berne/trtdocs_wo001.html Berne Convention] or [http://www.wipo.int/clea/en/ your jurisdiction's copyright law].

Although you do not have to apply a copyright notice for your work to be protected, it may be a useful tool to clearly signal to people that the work is yours. It also tells the public who to contact about the work.


====What is an adaptation?====

An adaptation is a work based on one or more pre-existing works. What constitutes an adaptation depends on applicable law, however translating a work from one language to another or creating a film version of a novel are generally considered adaptations.

In order for an adaptation to be protected by copyright, most national laws require the creator of the adaptation to add original expression to the pre-existing work. However, there is no international standard for originality, and the definition differs depending on the jurisdiction. Civil law jurisdictions (such as [http://www.wipo.int/clea/en/text_html.jsp?lang=EN&id=1034 Germany] and [http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/html/codes_traduits/cpialtext.htm France]) tend to require that the work contain an imprint of the adapter's personality. Common law jurisdictions (such as the [http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#103 U.S.] or [http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/C-42/index.html Canada]), on the other hand, tend to have a lower threshold for originality, requiring only a minimal level of creativity and “independent conception.” Some countries approach originality completely differently. For example, [http://www.wipo.int/clea/en/text_html.jsp?lang=EN&id=514 Brazil's] copyright code protects all works of the mind that do not fall within the list of works that are expressly defined in the statue as “unprotected works.” Consult [http://www.wipo.int/clea/en/ your jurisdiction's copyright law] for more information.



====What are moral rights?====

Copyright laws in many jurisdictions around the world grant creators “moral rights” in addition to the economic or commercial right to exploit their creative works. Moral rights protect the personal and reputational value of a work for its creator. Moral rights differ by country, and can include the right of attribution, the right to have a work published anonymously or pseudonymously, and/or the right to the integrity of the work. The moral right of integrity may provide creators with a source for redress if an adaptation represents derogatory treatment of their work, typically defined as “distortion or mutilation” of the work or treatment that is “prejudicial to the honor, or reputation of the author.” Not all jurisdictions provide for moral rights.

The CC licenses are intended to minimize the effect of moral rights on a licensee’s ability to use licensed material; however, in some jurisdictions, these rights may still have an effect. CC offers some additional information on [[#How_do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_my_moral_rights.2C_if_at_all.3F |how CC licenses may affect your moral rights]].

====What are neighboring rights?====

Copyright provides an incentive to create works by providing exclusive rights to creators. However, the distribution or exploitation of a work often involves more than just the creator. For example, if someone writes a song, someone else may perform the song, and another may produce the recording of the song. Some jurisdictions extend copyright to the contributions made by these persons; other jurisdictions extend such exclusive rights in the form of neighboring rights. Neighboring rights may include performers' rights or broadcasters' rights, among others. The [http://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ip/rome/summary_rome.html Rome Convention] sets forth some guidelines on the scope of neighboring rights. Not all jurisdictions recognize neighboring rights.

====What are sui generis database rights?====

Sui generis database rights grant qualifying database makers the right to prohibit the extraction and reuse of a substantial portion of a database. The rights are granted to database makers that make a substantial investment of time and resources to create the database. Sui generis database rights are primarily enacted within the European Union and a handful of other jurisdictions.

====What are collecting societies?====

[http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Version_3#International_Harmonization_.E2.80.94_Collecting_Societies Collecting societies] are copyright management organizations. Some examples of collecting societies include ASCAP and BMI (United States), BUMA/STEMRA (Netherlands), PRS (United Kingdom), and APRA (Australia). These societies license works on behalf of their owners and process royalty payments from parties using the copyrighted works.

CC offers additional information on [[#Can_I_use_a_Creative_Commons_license_if_I_am_a_member_of_a_collecting_society.3F | how collecting societies might affect your rights and your ability to apply CC licenses to your work]]. CC has several [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Collecting_Society_Projects pilots] underway with collecting societies that have chosen to allow their members to use CC licenses on a limited basis.



====What are publicity, personality, and privacy rights?====

These terms are used differently in different jurisdictions. Generally speaking, these rights allow individuals to control the use of their voice, image, likeness, or other identifiable aspect of their identity, especially for purposes of commercial exploitation. Similarly, in some jurisdictions these rights allow people to restrict others' ability to publish information about them without their permission. Whether and to what extent these rights exist, and if so, how they are labeled, varies depending on the jurisdiction.

[[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_are_publicity.2C_privacy.2C_and_personality_rights_affected_when_I_apply_a_CC_license.3F|Creative Commons licenses have a limited effect on these rights]] where the licensor holds them. Where the licensor has publicity, personality, or privacy rights that may affect your ability to use the material as the license intends, the licensor agrees to waive or not assert those rights. However, any such rights not held by the licensor are not affected and may still affect your desired use of a licensed work. If you have created a work or wish to use a work that might in some way implicate these rights, you may need to obtain permission from the individuals whose rights may be affected.

===Data===
{{:Data}}

[[Category:FAQ]]

CC-related legal scholarship and references

2014-12-19T01:39:23Z

Kat Walsh: Kat Walsh moved page CC-related scholarly resources to CC-related legal scholarship and references

This is for collecting legal scholarship related to the CC licenses' interpretation and enforceability that is not [[Case Law|case law]] directly concerning the CC licenses.

==General (uncategorized)==

* [http://www.law.fsu.edu/journals/lawreview/downloads/364/west.pdf Little Victories: Promoting Artistic Progress Through the Enforcement of Creative Commons Attribution and Share-Alike Licenses: Ashley West: 2008]

==Compatibility==

* [http://theodi.org/blog/exploring-compatibility-between-data-licences ODI: exploring compatibility between data licenses]
** [https://github.com/theodi/open-data-licensing/blob/master/guides/licence-compatibility.md in-progress document]

==Database Rights==
* [http://www.ifosslr.org/ifosslr/article/view/62 Open licensing and databases: Simone Aliprandi: 2012]

==Termination of Transfers==

* [http://scholarship.law.uc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1146&context=fac_pubs Shrinking the Commons: Termination of Copyright Licenses and Transfers for the Benefit of the Public: Timothy K. Armstrong: 2007]

* [http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=957939 Building a Reliable Semicommons of Creative Works: Enforcement of Creative Commons Licenses and Limited Abandonment of Copyright: Lydia Loren: 2007]

[[Category:Legal]]

CC-related scholarly resources

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#REDIRECT [[CC-related legal scholarship and references]]

CC-related legal scholarship and references

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Related legal scholarship

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#REDIRECT [[CC-related scholarly resources]]

CC-related legal scholarship and references

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Kat Walsh: begin page

Case law

2014-12-05T03:52:14Z

Kat Walsh: #REDIRECT Case Law

#REDIRECT [[Case Law]]

Legal tools translation guide

2014-11-19T01:58:05Z

Kat Walsh: /* Elements outside the legal code */ note on URLs

This Translation Guide is intended to guide teams preparing linguistic translations of the CC legal tools in accordance with the [[Legal Code Translation Policy]]. It identifies common issues that arise when translating and proofing the text. Please review this guide when proofing your first draft before submitting to CC HQ. (This is not a complete list of potential issues, and review by CC HQ is still necessary before a translation can be finalized and published.)

This document will be continually updated and improved as we work with teams on their translations and identify additional issues: please send any comments and additions not already identifed through the translation process to legal@creativecommons.org.

==General issues for all documents==
* Formatting should be kept the same—text that is bold or emphasized in the original English text should also be formatted that way in any translation. (Even if different jurisdictions would customarily do this emphasis differently.)

* All definitions should remain in the same order (even though the translated terms will no longer be in alphabetical order). Similarly, all license sections should remain in the same order. This is to ensure that cross-references to sections within the text remain the same, and also so that explanatory materials that refer to particular sections of the license are applicable to all translations of the license.

* Capitalized phrases should be translated the same way throughout the document. For example, wherever "Copyright and Similar Rights" is used, the phrase used for its translation in the definition of Adapted Material (the first time it appears) should also be used in all of the other definitions where the phrase appears.

* All defined terms should correspond as closely as possible to the English meaning. It is fine to replace these defined terms with longer phrases if it is necessary to get the correct meaning.

* No references to specific local legislation should be included; the legal meaning of all provisions should be kept the same as in the English version. (Where there are questions about something that does not have an appropriate linguistic translation, please point them out to Legal. If you are able to come to an appropriate solution within your community, we'd like to hear the decisions you made, and if you are stuck we will work with you to find something that comes closest to the meaning of the English text. )

* All substantive clauses from the original document should be included.

* Cross-references to other sections should be correct; this is particularly something to watch for when translating the 4.0 license suite.

* Numbering of sections should match with the original.

* Please check spelling and grammar.

* Connecting words should be checked: for example, "and" and "or" in English should line up with words with corresponding meaning in the translation.

* Include the navigational boxes indicating the availability of other languages. Please note that if you are translating from English, you should also include English on the "in other languages" box! Languages should appear on the list in that langauge—for example, "English", "Nederlands", "français ", "Ελληνικά".)

* Explanatory text should be kept outside the license, except for English terms quoted for clarity when no exact translation exists. We do encourage you to create or translate FAQs and other explanatory materials, however.

* Notes should be kept on the translation worksheet, available at [[Legal_Code_Translation_Policy#Supporting_documents]]. This worksheet will be the primary place where the legal team leaves comments on a translation in progress. You are encouraged to include other translation and process notes as a separate section, if they are not specific to a particular item in the chart or if they require more explanation.

===Using references===
If there are ports of earlier versions of the license in your language (in any jurisdiction), please note any differences in word choice or other elements that would might otherwise be expected to be the same. (It is acceptable to choose differently, but should be for a reason that makes sense for the current project.) Where there are differences between multiple ports in a language used by multiple jurisdictions, please note the reasoning for the choice made.

Where there are terms that correspond to concepts in legal references, such as national copyright laws in jurisdictions which use your language, the Berne Convention, the Database Directive, other national/regional laws or international treaties, or legal scholarship in your language, please note where you are using these reference as a guide to word choices, or where you are making a different choice.

===Elements outside the legal code===
* Elements that are not part of the Legal code (as defined at [[Legal code]]) must still be translated, though it is not required that they correspond as strictly. This includes all notices and diclaimers on the page.

* Remember to change links to translations in your language, where applicable. For example, in the 4.0 licenses, the link back to the Commons Deed at the bottom of the document should link directly back to the Deed in your language. Similarly, if you have translated the Considerations page, the link to that page in the introductory paragraphs should be to your language's translation.

* Before a translation will be published, the Deed and the Chooser must also be translated. Even if you already have a translation in your language, you may wish to revisit these before the translation is published to make sure the word choice matches up with the choices made in the legal code.

* URLs in the document are protocol relative; that is, they do not begin with "http:" or "https:". Links in the document should look like "//creativecommons.org".

==4.0 license suite issues==
* "Using Creative Commons Public Licenses": "Creative Commons Public Licenses" should all be capitalized as a defined phrase.
* "Copyright and Similar Rights": in English, this was deliberately written to be broader than "Copyright and Neighboring Rights", which appears in 3.0. Many jurisdictions have a set of rights often referred to as "Neighboring Rights", and a term corresponding to that set of rights was probably used in any 3.0 ports, and may appear in national copyright laws. The term in your 4.0 translation should not be that term--it should be broader, to include neighboring rights and others mentioned in the scope of the license.
* "Effective Technological Measures": this is not equivalent to "Technical Protection Measures" or "Digital Rights Management"/"DRM". The phrase was chosen in English to correspond exactly to those measures which carry legal penalties for circumvention (which is not necessarily true of all Technological Protection Measures). If there is a distinction between the two in reference in your languages, please use the one that corresponds to "Effective Technological Measures".
* "You": in the definition, please mention all forms of the word that appear in the translated document (for example, English mentions both "You" and "Your").
* "For the avoidance of doubt": this is an idiomatic English phrase. Where this phrase occurs, the translation should be something that indicates that the text which follows is not necessary and does not change the meaning of any other text in the license, but is included to ensure that the other license text is not misinterpreted.
* "Fair use" and "fair dealing": where these terms do not have equivalents in your language, you may wish to include the English phrase in quotations to be clear that they are referring to particular legal concepts that apply to some jurisdictions.
* If you are using terms that are abbreviated (such as "URI"), be sure that you also replace the abbreviation if you are using a translated term. You may wish to also include the English in parentheses (such as "URI") if it is commonly known or used in your language.

==CC0 issues==
*Key Words: these words are most important to determining the meaning of the document. Please let us know if you have any questions around how to translate these words (particularly if there is not an exact translation, if the English meaning is not clear to you, or if the difference between the key word and other similar terms is not clear to you).
** "Copyright and Related Rights": note that this is a different phrase than the language in 4.0 for "Copyright and Similar Rights"—these are not identical in scope and should probably be different in most translations.
** "Work"
** "Affirmer": the English version states that CC0 is "associated with" or "applied to" the work. Translations should choose words that convey that this is being done by an Affirmer who has authority to apply CC0 to the work.
** "License"
** "Waiver"
** "Statement of Purpose": this should be referred to as a proper name everywhere in the document, with the same wording that is used in the first section heading. It must be clear that references elsewhere in the text mean the "Statement of Purpose" section of the document, not simply any statement of purpose.

*The heading should be "CC0 1.0 Universal"
* In paragraphs 2 and 3, subsections i-iv should use the same wording in each place where the English text is also identical, unless there is a particular reason for them to be different.
* If there is a [http://pro.europeana.eu/support-for-open-data Europeana translation for your language], please refer to it and note any important differences in your worksheet.

==Creating the files==
To create the HTML files, we recommend using the English legal code pages as templates for your own. You can download the HTML for each license by going to File -> Save Page as… and then select “Webpage, HTML only”, or whatever equivalent there is for your browser. In a text editor or HTML editor, open each file you have saved. Copy and paste your appropriate license text over the previous text, being careful not to copy over the existing HTML tags, and re-check the code to ensure that there are no mistakes. Please ensure that all the XHTML files are saved using UTF-8 encoding, which generally will be the default.

Once you have completed the above steps and relevant processes in the [[legal code translation policy]], please send the XHTML file to legal@creativecommons.org along with your report of drafting issues you encountered.

Then save each file separately according to the following convention:

*CC0:
** zero_1.0_[language code].html

(For example, "zero_1.0_fr.html" would be for the French translation.)

*4.0
**by_4.0_[language code].html
**by-sa_4.0_[language code].html
** [...]

[[Category:CC0]]
[[Category:4.0]]
[[Category:Legal]]
[[Category:Translation]]

Legal tools translation guide

2014-11-19T01:56:18Z

Kat Walsh: /* General issues for all documents */ note about linking to translations of supplementary material

This Translation Guide is intended to guide teams preparing linguistic translations of the CC legal tools in accordance with the [[Legal Code Translation Policy]]. It identifies common issues that arise when translating and proofing the text. Please review this guide when proofing your first draft before submitting to CC HQ. (This is not a complete list of potential issues, and review by CC HQ is still necessary before a translation can be finalized and published.)

This document will be continually updated and improved as we work with teams on their translations and identify additional issues: please send any comments and additions not already identifed through the translation process to legal@creativecommons.org.

==General issues for all documents==
* Formatting should be kept the same—text that is bold or emphasized in the original English text should also be formatted that way in any translation. (Even if different jurisdictions would customarily do this emphasis differently.)

* All definitions should remain in the same order (even though the translated terms will no longer be in alphabetical order). Similarly, all license sections should remain in the same order. This is to ensure that cross-references to sections within the text remain the same, and also so that explanatory materials that refer to particular sections of the license are applicable to all translations of the license.

* Capitalized phrases should be translated the same way throughout the document. For example, wherever "Copyright and Similar Rights" is used, the phrase used for its translation in the definition of Adapted Material (the first time it appears) should also be used in all of the other definitions where the phrase appears.

* All defined terms should correspond as closely as possible to the English meaning. It is fine to replace these defined terms with longer phrases if it is necessary to get the correct meaning.

* No references to specific local legislation should be included; the legal meaning of all provisions should be kept the same as in the English version. (Where there are questions about something that does not have an appropriate linguistic translation, please point them out to Legal. If you are able to come to an appropriate solution within your community, we'd like to hear the decisions you made, and if you are stuck we will work with you to find something that comes closest to the meaning of the English text. )

* All substantive clauses from the original document should be included.

* Cross-references to other sections should be correct; this is particularly something to watch for when translating the 4.0 license suite.

* Numbering of sections should match with the original.

* Please check spelling and grammar.

* Connecting words should be checked: for example, "and" and "or" in English should line up with words with corresponding meaning in the translation.

* Include the navigational boxes indicating the availability of other languages. Please note that if you are translating from English, you should also include English on the "in other languages" box! Languages should appear on the list in that langauge—for example, "English", "Nederlands", "français ", "Ελληνικά".)

* Explanatory text should be kept outside the license, except for English terms quoted for clarity when no exact translation exists. We do encourage you to create or translate FAQs and other explanatory materials, however.

* Notes should be kept on the translation worksheet, available at [[Legal_Code_Translation_Policy#Supporting_documents]]. This worksheet will be the primary place where the legal team leaves comments on a translation in progress. You are encouraged to include other translation and process notes as a separate section, if they are not specific to a particular item in the chart or if they require more explanation.

===Using references===
If there are ports of earlier versions of the license in your language (in any jurisdiction), please note any differences in word choice or other elements that would might otherwise be expected to be the same. (It is acceptable to choose differently, but should be for a reason that makes sense for the current project.) Where there are differences between multiple ports in a language used by multiple jurisdictions, please note the reasoning for the choice made.

Where there are terms that correspond to concepts in legal references, such as national copyright laws in jurisdictions which use your language, the Berne Convention, the Database Directive, other national/regional laws or international treaties, or legal scholarship in your language, please note where you are using these reference as a guide to word choices, or where you are making a different choice.

===Elements outside the legal code===
* Elements that are not part of the Legal code (as defined at [[Legal code]]) must still be translated, though it is not required that they correspond as strictly. This includes all notices and diclaimers on the page.

* Remember to change links to translations in your language, where applicable. For example, in the 4.0 licenses, the link back to the Commons Deed at the bottom of the document should link directly back to the Deed in your language. Similarly, if you have translated the Considerations page, the link to that page in the introductory paragraphs should be to your language's translation.

* Before a translation will be published, the Deed and the Chooser must also be translated. Even if you already have a translation in your language, you may wish to revisit these before the translation is published to make sure the word choice matches up with the choices made in the legal code.

==4.0 license suite issues==
* "Using Creative Commons Public Licenses": "Creative Commons Public Licenses" should all be capitalized as a defined phrase.
* "Copyright and Similar Rights": in English, this was deliberately written to be broader than "Copyright and Neighboring Rights", which appears in 3.0. Many jurisdictions have a set of rights often referred to as "Neighboring Rights", and a term corresponding to that set of rights was probably used in any 3.0 ports, and may appear in national copyright laws. The term in your 4.0 translation should not be that term--it should be broader, to include neighboring rights and others mentioned in the scope of the license.
* "Effective Technological Measures": this is not equivalent to "Technical Protection Measures" or "Digital Rights Management"/"DRM". The phrase was chosen in English to correspond exactly to those measures which carry legal penalties for circumvention (which is not necessarily true of all Technological Protection Measures). If there is a distinction between the two in reference in your languages, please use the one that corresponds to "Effective Technological Measures".
* "You": in the definition, please mention all forms of the word that appear in the translated document (for example, English mentions both "You" and "Your").
* "For the avoidance of doubt": this is an idiomatic English phrase. Where this phrase occurs, the translation should be something that indicates that the text which follows is not necessary and does not change the meaning of any other text in the license, but is included to ensure that the other license text is not misinterpreted.
* "Fair use" and "fair dealing": where these terms do not have equivalents in your language, you may wish to include the English phrase in quotations to be clear that they are referring to particular legal concepts that apply to some jurisdictions.
* If you are using terms that are abbreviated (such as "URI"), be sure that you also replace the abbreviation if you are using a translated term. You may wish to also include the English in parentheses (such as "URI") if it is commonly known or used in your language.

==CC0 issues==
*Key Words: these words are most important to determining the meaning of the document. Please let us know if you have any questions around how to translate these words (particularly if there is not an exact translation, if the English meaning is not clear to you, or if the difference between the key word and other similar terms is not clear to you).
** "Copyright and Related Rights": note that this is a different phrase than the language in 4.0 for "Copyright and Similar Rights"—these are not identical in scope and should probably be different in most translations.
** "Work"
** "Affirmer": the English version states that CC0 is "associated with" or "applied to" the work. Translations should choose words that convey that this is being done by an Affirmer who has authority to apply CC0 to the work.
** "License"
** "Waiver"
** "Statement of Purpose": this should be referred to as a proper name everywhere in the document, with the same wording that is used in the first section heading. It must be clear that references elsewhere in the text mean the "Statement of Purpose" section of the document, not simply any statement of purpose.

*The heading should be "CC0 1.0 Universal"
* In paragraphs 2 and 3, subsections i-iv should use the same wording in each place where the English text is also identical, unless there is a particular reason for them to be different.
* If there is a [http://pro.europeana.eu/support-for-open-data Europeana translation for your language], please refer to it and note any important differences in your worksheet.

==Creating the files==
To create the HTML files, we recommend using the English legal code pages as templates for your own. You can download the HTML for each license by going to File -> Save Page as… and then select “Webpage, HTML only”, or whatever equivalent there is for your browser. In a text editor or HTML editor, open each file you have saved. Copy and paste your appropriate license text over the previous text, being careful not to copy over the existing HTML tags, and re-check the code to ensure that there are no mistakes. Please ensure that all the XHTML files are saved using UTF-8 encoding, which generally will be the default.

Once you have completed the above steps and relevant processes in the [[legal code translation policy]], please send the XHTML file to legal@creativecommons.org along with your report of drafting issues you encountered.

Then save each file separately according to the following convention:

*CC0:
** zero_1.0_[language code].html

(For example, "zero_1.0_fr.html" would be for the French translation.)

*4.0
**by_4.0_[language code].html
**by-sa_4.0_[language code].html
** [...]

[[Category:CC0]]
[[Category:4.0]]
[[Category:Legal]]
[[Category:Translation]]

Legal Tools Translation

2014-11-13T20:57:10Z

Kat Walsh: /* Translations in progress (or completed) */ formatting for 4.0 entries

=Welcome to the CC Translation Project!=
''Please note this is an evolving project and we welcome feedback.''

This is the main portal for projects translating the suite of six CC licenses and the CC0 Public Domain Dedication.

If a CC license deed is not yet available in your language, we recommend translating that first. For information on translating CC license deeds, visit [[Translating_CC_Deeds|Translating CC Deeds]].

If you are interested in translating the licenses or other legal tools, please see the [[Legal Code Translation Policy]].

==Translations Generally==
Creative Commons supports two types of linguistic translations of its licenses and CC0: official and unofficial. All official translations of legal code are conducted according to the [[Legal Code Translation Policy]]. Beginning with version 4.0, CC is supporting official linguistic translations of its six (6) core licenses. '''Please note that translations (whether official or unofficial) involve linguistic translation only—they do not adapt the licenses or CC0 to account for local law.''' As of December 2012, CC also supports official translations of CC0 version 1.0.

Please see the [[Legal Code Translation Policy]] for more information on how to start a project to translate CC0 or the CC licenses officially into your local language. CC's policy is to support a single official translation into any particular language, absent a compelling reason otherwise. All legal code translation projects must be approved by Creative Commons in advance; please do not start a legal code translation project without first contacting Creative Commons.

(For version 3.0 of the licenses, CC supports unofficial translations only. These are not official and not suitable for adoption, but are provided solely for information purposes. '''Please do not use translations of the 3.0 international licenses—licensors should not link to or otherwise identify any of the unofficial translations when applying licenses to their materials.''' Those interested in translating CC licenses should join a translation project for the 4.0 licenses. If you would like to read the process for unofficial translations of 3.0, it has been moved [[Unofficial_translation_process_for_3.0|to a separate page]] for historical information.)

==Translation Guide==
As we work with teams on translation projects, we are developing collections of advice and issues to guide future teams' efforts. These include general proofing advice, as well as common errors, and words and phrases that are of key importance or have presented difficulty in each particular legal tool.

*[[Legal tools translation guide]]

==Published translations==
''Note: this does not include ports of the 3.0 license suite, which are generally published in one or more languages used in the applicable jurisdiction.''

{{:List of completed translations}}

You can also view the [[list of completed translations]] on its own.

==Translations in progress (or completed)==
===CC0===
{{Special:PrefixIndex/Legal_Tools_Translation/CC0/ |hideredirects=1 |stripprefix=1}}

{{Special:PrefixIndex/CC0/ |hideredirects=1 |stripprefix=1}}

===4.0===
{{Special:PrefixIndex/Legal_Tools_Translation/4.0/ |hideredirects=1 |stripprefix=1}}

[[Category:Legal]]
[[Category:Translation Project]]

Category:Translation

2014-11-11T07:09:02Z

Kat Walsh: new

Pages related to translation of the legal tools.

CC ports by jurisdiction

2014-11-11T06:36:22Z

Kat Walsh: #REDIRECT CC Ports by Jurisdiction

#REDIRECT [[CC Ports by Jurisdiction]]

Legal Tools Translation

2014-11-11T06:30:57Z

Kat Walsh: rm redundant section header

=Welcome to the CC Translation Project!=
''Please note this is an evolving project and we welcome feedback.''

This is the main portal for projects translating the suite of six CC licenses and the CC0 Public Domain Dedication.

If a CC license deed is not yet available in your language, we recommend translating that first. For information on translating CC license deeds, visit [[Translating_CC_Deeds|Translating CC Deeds]].

If you are interested in translating the licenses or other legal tools, please see the [[Legal Code Translation Policy]].

==Translations Generally==
Creative Commons supports two types of linguistic translations of its licenses and CC0: official and unofficial. All official translations of legal code are conducted according to the [[Legal Code Translation Policy]]. Beginning with version 4.0, CC is supporting official linguistic translations of its six (6) core licenses. '''Please note that translations (whether official or unofficial) involve linguistic translation only—they do not adapt the licenses or CC0 to account for local law.''' As of December 2012, CC also supports official translations of CC0 version 1.0.

Please see the [[Legal Code Translation Policy]] for more information on how to start a project to translate CC0 or the CC licenses officially into your local language. CC's policy is to support a single official translation into any particular language, absent a compelling reason otherwise. All legal code translation projects must be approved by Creative Commons in advance; please do not start a legal code translation project without first contacting Creative Commons.

(For version 3.0 of the licenses, CC supports unofficial translations only. These are not official and not suitable for adoption, but are provided solely for information purposes. '''Please do not use translations of the 3.0 international licenses—licensors should not link to or otherwise identify any of the unofficial translations when applying licenses to their materials.''' Those interested in translating CC licenses should join a translation project for the 4.0 licenses. If you would like to read the process for unofficial translations of 3.0, it has been moved [[Unofficial_translation_process_for_3.0|to a separate page]] for historical information.)

==Translation Guide==
As we work with teams on translation projects, we are developing collections of advice and issues to guide future teams' efforts. These include general proofing advice, as well as common errors, and words and phrases that are of key importance or have presented difficulty in each particular legal tool.

*[[Legal tools translation guide]]

==Published translations==
''Note: this does not include ports of the 3.0 license suite, which are generally published in one or more languages used in the applicable jurisdiction.''

{{:List of completed translations}}

You can also view the [[list of completed translations]] on its own.

==Translations in progress (or completed)==
===CC0===
{{Special:PrefixIndex/Legal_Tools_Translation/CC0/ |hideredirects=1 |stripprefix=1}}

{{Special:PrefixIndex/CC0/ |hideredirects=1 |stripprefix=1}}

===4.0===
{{Special:PrefixIndex/Legal_Tools_Translation/4.0/}}

[[Category:Legal]]
[[Category:Translation Project]]

Legal Tools Translation

2014-11-11T06:29:49Z

Kat Walsh: /* Translations in progress */ change autolisting, now that some pages have been moved

=Welcome to the CC Translation Project!=
''Please note this is an evolving project and we welcome feedback.''

This is the main portal for projects translating the suite of six CC licenses and the CC0 Public Domain Dedication.

If a CC license deed is not yet available in your language, we recommend translating that first. For information on translating CC license deeds, visit [[Translating_CC_Deeds|Translating CC Deeds]].

If you are interested in translating the licenses or other legal tools, please see the [[Legal Code Translation Policy]].

==Translations Generally==
Creative Commons supports two types of linguistic translations of its licenses and CC0: official and unofficial. All official translations of legal code are conducted according to the [[Legal Code Translation Policy]]. Beginning with version 4.0, CC is supporting official linguistic translations of its six (6) core licenses. '''Please note that translations (whether official or unofficial) involve linguistic translation only—they do not adapt the licenses or CC0 to account for local law.''' As of December 2012, CC also supports official translations of CC0 version 1.0.

Please see the [[Legal Code Translation Policy]] for more information on how to start a project to translate CC0 or the CC licenses officially into your local language. CC's policy is to support a single official translation into any particular language, absent a compelling reason otherwise. All legal code translation projects must be approved by Creative Commons in advance; please do not start a legal code translation project without first contacting Creative Commons.

(For version 3.0 of the licenses, CC supports unofficial translations only. These are not official and not suitable for adoption, but are provided solely for information purposes. '''Please do not use translations of the 3.0 international licenses—licensors should not link to or otherwise identify any of the unofficial translations when applying licenses to their materials.''' Those interested in translating CC licenses should join a translation project for the 4.0 licenses. If you would like to read the process for unofficial translations of 3.0, it has been moved [[Unofficial_translation_process_for_3.0|to a separate page]] for historical information.)

==Translation Guide==
As we work with teams on translation projects, we are developing collections of advice and issues to guide future teams' efforts. These include general proofing advice, as well as common errors, and words and phrases that are of key importance or have presented difficulty in each particular legal tool.

*[[Legal tools translation guide]]

==Published translations==
''Note: this does not include ports of the 3.0 license suite, which are generally published in one or more languages used in the applicable jurisdiction.''

None currently available.

==Completed translations==
{{:List of completed translations}}

You can also view the [[list of completed translations]] on its own.

==Translations in progress (or completed)==
===CC0===
{{Special:PrefixIndex/Legal_Tools_Translation/CC0/ |hideredirects=1 |stripprefix=1}}

{{Special:PrefixIndex/CC0/ |hideredirects=1 |stripprefix=1}}

===4.0===
{{Special:PrefixIndex/Legal_Tools_Translation/4.0/}}

[[Category:Legal]]
[[Category:Translation Project]]

Legal Tools Translation/CC0/French

2014-11-11T06:28:45Z

Kat Walsh: Kat Walsh moved page CC0/French to Legal Tools Translation/CC0/French

{{CC0 Translation
|jurisdictions=France
|coordinationplan=Yes, French is spoken in many jurisdictions.
We have been in contact with CC Tunisia who had agreed to participate to the process, and we indicated to CC HQ that we would appreciate to be put in contact with affiliates of other French-speaking jurisdictions. We know Patrick in Luxembourg but don't know the new leads in Switzerland, Belgium, Canada and other francophone countries in Africa, Middle East and maybe Asia.
|date=2013/02/08
|draftdate=2011/05/04
|publicdate=2013/03/04
|publicenddate=2013/04/04
|end_date=2013/04/26
|process=Due to the urgent need to have a CC0 version in French while the Open Data movement required the use of texts in French for both public and Glam institutions, ODBL had a French version and the French Government was publishing a national Open License, the community (Framasoft) published a non-official draft translation of CC0 on 15 October 2010:
http://www.framablog.org/index.php/post/2010/10/15/proposition-traduction-licence-creative-commons-zero-1.0-cc0

CC France legal team members (Danièle, Melanie and Primavera) revised, edited and submitted a first draft to CC HQ legal team on 4 May 2011. The draft was later published:
http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Publicdomain/zero/1.0/LegalText_%28French%29

The public comment process and request for involvement of other affiliate teams from jurisdictions with the same official or primary language has been submitted in November 2012 to the request by CC HQ for comments on the CC0 Official Translations policy.
We would like to have a public consultation of 30 days as recommended by the policy, augmented to 45 days if needed.
Discussion will take place on CC-France mailing list, on the Discussion page of the CC HQ wiki page hosting the translation first draft, and if needed on the mailing-lists of the other jurisdictions.
We intend to reach out to the other relevant jurisdictions after an introduction by CC HQ. Each affiliate team will be responsible to inform the local communities through mailing-lists and social networks of the public comment period and if they choose to host a discussion on their mailing-list, to moderate it and post comments on the CC-France mailing list or on the Discussion page of the CC HQ wiki page hosting the translation first draft. An emphasis should be put on the fact that the translation is linguistic and not legal.

At the end of the public comment period, CC France team will implement relevant changes to improve the first draft.
|website=http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Publicdomain/zero/1.0/LegalText_%28French%29
|team=CC France team :
Danièle Bourcier
Primavera De Filippi
Camille Domange
Melanie Dulong de Rosnay

|affirm=Yes
|status=In Progress
}}

[[Category:CC0]]
[[Category:CC0 Translations]]

CC0/French

2014-11-11T06:28:45Z

Kat Walsh: Kat Walsh moved page CC0/French to Legal Tools Translation/CC0/French

#REDIRECT [[Legal Tools Translation/CC0/French]]

Legal Tools Translation/CC0/Serbian

2014-11-11T06:28:32Z

Kat Walsh: Kat Walsh moved page CC0/Serbian to Legal Tools Translation/CC0/Serbian: for consistent page names--redirect should still work.

{{CC0 Translation
|jurisdictions=Serbia
|coordinationplan=No.
|date=2013/07/19
|draftdate=2014/05/09
|publicdate=2014/06/09
|publicenddate=2014/07/09
|end_date=2014/08/09
|process=I believe I am very well experienced since I have already adapted the CC licenses for the Serbian jurisdiction in 2007. There is an e-mail list for bringing together the Serbian CC community (lawyers, academics, artists, media, students) and discussing the CC issues: http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/cc-rs/. An invitation will be sent individually and via this list. Also, the debate will be announced via the lists of Wikimedia Serbia, Twitter and FB to involve more people who could be interested in the issue (legal experts, governmental institutions, NGOs especially).
|team=Nevenka Antic, CC Serbia Legal Project Lead
|affirm=Yes
|status=In Progress
}}
[[Category:CC0 Translations]]

CC0/Serbian

2014-11-11T06:28:32Z

Kat Walsh: Kat Walsh moved page CC0/Serbian to Legal Tools Translation/CC0/Serbian: for consistent page names--redirect should still work.

#REDIRECT [[Legal Tools Translation/CC0/Serbian]]

Legal Tools Translation/CC0/Dutch

2014-11-11T06:28:15Z

Kat Walsh: Kat Walsh moved page CC0/Dutch to Legal Tools Translation/CC0/Dutch: for consistent page names--redirect should still work.

{{CC0 Translation
|jurisdictions=Belgium, Netherlands
|coordinationplan=In an earlier project the Dutch CC-team made a unofficial translation to be used on our main governments website. That website also states that it is in an unofficial. So we already have a first draft.

We work closely together with CC-Belgium, as we are hosting their Public Lead as an intern at Kennisland, one of the partners of CC-NL. We will cross-post all messages between the Dutch and Belgium CC sites.
|date=2013/01/28
|legaldate=2013/01/16
|publicdate=2013/02/01
|publicenddate=2013/02/28
|end_date=2013/04/01
|process=The draft was written in the fall of 2009 by Nynke Hendriks, Paul Keller and Lucie Guibault and has been used since then on the website of www.rijksoverheid.nl. There is a public comment period in february 2013 that we coordinate and reach-out using creativecommons.nl and creativecommons.be
|website=www.creativecommons.nl
|team=Lucie Guibault - Legal lead (CC-NL)
Thomas Margoni - legal (CC-NL)
Severine Dusollier - legal lead (CC-BE)
Maarten Zeinstra - Coordinator (CC-NL)
Yannick H'Madoun - Public Lead (CC-BE)
|wordchoice=There was a discussion concerning the translation of 'Statement of Purpose' to 'doelstelling' or the very similar word 'doelverklaring'. The difference in meaning is that doelstelling means a statement of purpose as in stating and argument whereas a doelverklaring means an explanation of a purpose. CC-NL and CC-BE discussed this and we came to the conclusion that doelverklaring would be better to use here.
|affirm=Yes
|status=Proposed
}}

[[Category:CC0]]
[[Category:CC0 Translations]]

CC0/Dutch

2014-11-11T06:28:15Z

Kat Walsh: Kat Walsh moved page CC0/Dutch to Legal Tools Translation/CC0/Dutch: for consistent page names--redirect should still work.

#REDIRECT [[Legal Tools Translation/CC0/Dutch]]

CC0/Taiwanese Mandarin

2014-11-11T06:27:59Z

Kat Walsh: Kat Walsh moved page CC0/Taiwanese Mandarin to Legal Tools Translation/CC0/Taiwanese Mandarin: for consistent page names--redirect should still work.

#REDIRECT [[Legal Tools Translation/CC0/Taiwanese Mandarin]]

Legal Tools Translation/CC0/Taiwanese Mandarin

2014-11-11T06:27:58Z

Kat Walsh: Kat Walsh moved page CC0/Taiwanese Mandarin to Legal Tools Translation/CC0/Taiwanese Mandarin: for consistent page names--redirect should still work.

{{CC0 Translation
|jurisdictions=Taiwan
|coordinationplan=This translation uses Taiwanese Mandarin which is the Chinese language used in Taiwan. The Chinese character set used in Taiwanese Mandarin (called the "Traditional Chinese" character set) is also used in Hong Kong and other places in the world. However, common phrases and legal terms used in Taiwan may not be identical to those used elsewhere.
|date=2012/12/26
|draftdate=2012/12/26
|publicdate=2012/12/26
|publicenddate=2013/04/30
|end_date=2013/06/01
|process=Thanks to the help of the Asia Pacific Regional Coordinators, the final draft of this translation from CC Taiwan has been uploaded to:
http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Publicdomain/zero/1.0/LegalText_%28Mandarin_Chinese%29
in December 2012. This is the same draft CC Taiwan produced in 2009 and has been available since May 2009 in CC Taiwan's wiki:
http://wiki.creativecommons.org.tw/cc-zero-1-0:pre-final

So far, we have not received any comments either directly to the CC Taiwan Team or forwarded from CC HQ.
|website=http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Publicdomain/zero/1.0/LegalText_%28Mandarin_Chinese%29
|team=Legal team: Yi-Hsuan Lin and Pei-Yi Wang from CC Taiwan, with advice from Prof. Ming-Yang Shieh:
http://www.law.ntu.edu.tw/english/faculty/professors/ming-yan_shieh.html
|wordchoice=A list of the Chinese language phrases used in the translation is listed in the same page of the final draft:
http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Publicdomain/zero/1.0/LegalText_%28Mandarin_Chinese%29
|affirm=Yes
|status=Approved
}}

[[Category:CC0]]
[[Category:CC0 Translations]]

Legal Tools Translation/CC0/Japanese

2014-11-11T06:27:41Z

Kat Walsh: Kat Walsh moved page CC0/Japanese to Legal Tools Translation/CC0/Japanese: for consistent page names--redirect should still work.

{{CC0 Translation
|jurisdictions=Japan
|coordinationplan=No.
|date=2013/07/03
|draftdate=2013/08/03
|publicdate=2013/08/05
|publicenddate=2013/09/05
|end_date=2013/09/20
|process=Phase 1: A solicitor with copyright specialization translated the draft, followed by rounds of reviews and revisions by 4 people, including two lawyers.
Phase 2: An intensive review session was held by 6 people, including 2 lawyers. (Three of them, including a lawyer were also involved in the phase).
Phase 3: A round of reviews and revisions was done by three people, including 1 lawyer. (The other two were involved in both Phase 1& 2).

|team=All those involved are Creative Commons Japan members.
|wordchoice=All the decisions and choices were shared via email (from Tomo) with the CCHQ's legal team.
|affirm=Yes
|status=Proposed
}}
[[Category:CC0 Translations]]

CC0/Japanese

2014-11-11T06:27:41Z

Kat Walsh: Kat Walsh moved page CC0/Japanese to Legal Tools Translation/CC0/Japanese: for consistent page names--redirect should still work.

#REDIRECT [[Legal Tools Translation/CC0/Japanese]]

Legal Tools Translation/CC0/Taiwanese Mandarin

2014-11-11T06:19:49Z

Kat Walsh: Kat Walsh moved page CC0/Taiwanese Mandarin (The Chinese language used in Taiwan, zh-tw) to CC0/Taiwanese Mandarin: for consistent page names--redirect should still work.

CC0/Taiwanese Mandarin (The Chinese language used in Taiwan, zh-tw)

2014-11-11T06:19:49Z

Kat Walsh: Kat Walsh moved page CC0/Taiwanese Mandarin (The Chinese language used in Taiwan, zh-tw) to CC0/Taiwanese Mandarin: for consistent page names--redirect should still work.

#REDIRECT [[CC0/Taiwanese Mandarin]]

Legal Tools Translation

2014-11-11T06:15:13Z

Kat Walsh: /* Translations in progress */ add completed

=Welcome to the CC Translation Project!=
''Please note this is an evolving project and we welcome feedback.''

This is the main portal for projects translating the suite of six CC licenses and the CC0 Public Domain Dedication.

If a CC license deed is not yet available in your language, we recommend translating that first. For information on translating CC license deeds, visit [[Translating_CC_Deeds|Translating CC Deeds]].

If you are interested in translating the licenses or other legal tools, please see the [[Legal Code Translation Policy]].

==Translations Generally==
Creative Commons supports two types of linguistic translations of its licenses and CC0: official and unofficial. All official translations of legal code are conducted according to the [[Legal Code Translation Policy]]. Beginning with version 4.0, CC is supporting official linguistic translations of its six (6) core licenses. '''Please note that translations (whether official or unofficial) involve linguistic translation only—they do not adapt the licenses or CC0 to account for local law.''' As of December 2012, CC also supports official translations of CC0 version 1.0.

Please see the [[Legal Code Translation Policy]] for more information on how to start a project to translate CC0 or the CC licenses officially into your local language. CC's policy is to support a single official translation into any particular language, absent a compelling reason otherwise. All legal code translation projects must be approved by Creative Commons in advance; please do not start a legal code translation project without first contacting Creative Commons.

(For version 3.0 of the licenses, CC supports unofficial translations only. These are not official and not suitable for adoption, but are provided solely for information purposes. '''Please do not use translations of the 3.0 international licenses—licensors should not link to or otherwise identify any of the unofficial translations when applying licenses to their materials.''' Those interested in translating CC licenses should join a translation project for the 4.0 licenses. If you would like to read the process for unofficial translations of 3.0, it has been moved [[Unofficial_translation_process_for_3.0|to a separate page]] for historical information.)

==Translation Guide==
As we work with teams on translation projects, we are developing collections of advice and issues to guide future teams' efforts. These include general proofing advice, as well as common errors, and words and phrases that are of key importance or have presented difficulty in each particular legal tool.

*[[Legal tools translation guide]]

==Published translations==
''Note: this does not include ports of the 3.0 license suite, which are generally published in one or more languages used in the applicable jurisdiction.''

None currently available.

==Completed translations==
{{:List of completed translations}}

You can also view the [[list of completed translations]] on its own.

==Translations in progress==
===CC0===
{{Special:PrefixIndex/Legal_Tools_Translation/CC0/}}

{{Special:PrefixIndex/CC0/}}

===4.0===
{{Special:PrefixIndex/Legal_Tools_Translation/4.0/}}

[[Category:Legal]]
[[Category:Translation Project]]

Legal Code Translation Policy

2014-11-05T19:29:31Z

Kat Walsh: /* Supporting documents */ note for updated file

[[MOU and Policies Summary|Return to Summary page]]

Creative Commons has established the following Official Legal Code Translation Process and Policy (“Legal Code Translation Policy”) to facilitate adoption and understanding of our licenses as tools for sharing creative works and data. This Legal Code Translation Policy is established as of 29 October 2013, and may be updated and revised by Creative Commons in its discretion. Any non-trivial revisions will be logged and dated at the bottom of this page.

==Summary==
The legal code translation process in a nutshell:
# Send [[Legal_Code_Translation_Policy#Translation_project_proposals|proposal]] of translation project to Regional Coordinators (note: please coordinate with other jurisdictions with the same language)
# Prepare draft translation using worksheet and submit to Regional Coordinators
# Resolve questions and concerns regarding draft translation with CC Legal
# Public comment period
# Prepare final, official translation
# Translate supplementary materials
# Launch official translation (to be treated as equivalents of the English originals)

==Overview==
The legal code for the international Creative Commons licenses and for CC0 is designed for use worldwide, without any need for adaptation to local laws. For these tools to reach their fullest potential, CC encourages linguistic translations of the legal codes and deeds into as many languages as possible. This page describes the policy and process for developing official translations of Creative Commons legal code.

Legal code translation projects are coordinated and overseen by CC’s legal team in collaboration with the global network team. Creative Commons reserves the exclusive right to approve and host official translations of its legal tools, as well as to modify this process and adjust translation projects at any time. Per our policy, each official translation is hosted at a specified uniform resource indicator on CC’s website. The English original and the official translations will all be treated as equivalents.

==Beginning new translation projects==
The process for developing new translations (each is called a “translation project”) is described below. Creative Commons prefers that each translation project be led by active affiliates under a current MOU with Creative Commons. For this reason, the process described below anticipates new translation project proposals to come from affiliates. However, interested community members may also propose a translation project or participate as part of a translation team. Third parties may be hired to translate, but must be paid for and supervised by the affiliates.

CC staff follow an internal checklist to track the progress of translations; while translation teams will not need to refer to it, it is provided [[Media:Internaltranslationchecklist_4feb14.pdf|here]] for informational purposes.

For translation projects already in progress as of the effective date of this Policy, please refer to the [[#Translations_in_progress_.28as_of_policy_effective_date.29|guidelines below]].

==Translation project proposals==
Creative Commons accepts proposals from affiliates to coordinate the linguistic translation of the legal code, deed, and related informational materials. CC acknowledges that several affiliate teams around the world share an official or primary language. CC’s policy is to publish a single, official translation for any given language unless an important reason exists to allow more than one. This mirrors CC’s policy for translations of deeds. Affiliate teams wanting to coordinate translation projects are expected to accommodate and encourage participation of affiliate teams from those other jurisdictions.

'''Proposals for leading a translation project should be submitted via the [[Form:CC0_Translation|CC0]] or [[Form:4.0_Translation|4.0]] translation project forms, and then the appropriate Regional Coordinator(s) should be notified by email.''' Proposals should:
#identify the language(s) into which the affiliate is offering to coordinate
#identify other current CC affiliate jurisdictions where the language(s) are officially or primarily used
#summarize plans for coordinating with and encouraging the participation of other affiliate teams as well as the broader communities within jurisdictions having the same official or primary language
#propose a timeline for completing the translation project.

Proposals may be posted by CC for comment or to encourage participation by those in jurisdictions sharing an official or primary language.

Regional Coordinators evaluate proposals in consultation with the CC legal team. Translation project plans, translation leads, and other team members are then formalized and officially announced through postings in appropriate channels. Translation teams offering to arrange for a third party to conduct the translation are responsible for all costs associated with the translation, supervising the translation process, and conducting a final review prior to posting the draft for public comment.

The person(s) responsible for drafting, or overseeing the drafting, of a translation of legal code are referred to as “translation lead(s),” and those participating on the translation project, the “translation team.”

===Translations by non-affiliates===
If CC is unable to locate a current affiliate team willing to coordinate a translation project for a particular language where demonstrated demand for an official translation exists, CC may open the process to the public or arrange for third parties to undertake the translation responsibilities in this Legal Code Translation Policy.

==Translation process==
'''The form that must be completed before beginning this process is [[Form:4.0_Translation|here for 4.0]], and [[Form:CC0_Translation|here for CC0]].'''

===1. Preparing the first translation draft===
Once finalized, the translation leads coordinate the work of the translation team in linguistically translating the legal code from English into the identified language. All translations must include an equivalent of the following: “Official translations of this license are available in other languages.” When translating the 4.0 license suite, please begin with BY-NC-SA using the worksheet [[Legal_Code_Translation_Policy#Supporting_documents|here]]. Additionally, translation of the phrases "Additional languages available:" and "Please read the FAQ for more information about official translations." will be needed for the navigation boxes. These will appear on the translation worksheet along with the legal code.

When finalized, including any review and edits by the translation leads if the drafting involved a third party, the translation leads send the first draft to their Regional Coordinator, who will evaluate it for adherence to the guidelines and general readiness for review, and provide it to the CC legal team. At the same time, the translation leads should submit a written summary (in English) containing a description of any translation challenges they experienced.

The CC legal team reviews the translation of the legal code and the written explanation, in collaboration with the translation leads and the Regional Coordinators. During the review, CC may ask for modifications to the draft as well as additional information. The review stage continues until CC provisionally approves the draft as ready for public comment.

===2. Public Comment period===
The public comment period is designed to ensure the highest quality linguistic translations possible. Drafts are posted in appropriate channels for public comment and feedback for a reasonable period of time (typically about 30-45 days, but may be shortened or extended if circumstances warrant). The posting and public comment period is coordinated with the translation leads.

===3. Preparing the official translation===
At the conclusion of the public comment period, and following resolution of comments by the CC legal team and the translation leads, the translation leads coordinate preparation and submission of the final official translation to CC in the format requested by CC (currently XHTML).

===4. Translating supplemental materials===
The translation leads are responsible for coordinating the translation of supplemental and informational material relevant to the legal tool. The materials to be translated will be coordinated with Creative Commons, but must include the deed and chooser(if not already translated), the [[Considerations for licensors and licensees]], and may include FAQs and other materials. See the [[Translating_CC_Deeds|instructions for translating deeds]]. For translation of the 4.0 suite, the other 5 licenses are also created during this stage, after final approval of the first submission.

===5. Publication===
The official translation, once finalized, is then posted by CC on the Creative Commons website, where it will be maintained at a stable URI. The deed and other materials will also be updated as necessary. Once posted, the text is final and no elements of the [[legal code]] may be changed; any further corrections will be published on the [[Legalcode errata|Errata]] page. Creative Commons will also announce the translation to the public, in coordination with the translation team.

==Translations in progress (as of policy effective date)==
Affiliate teams who began preparing translations before this Policy was instituted and wish to have their translations considered official should notify their Regional Coordinators and provide the following information:
# Language of translation;
# Persons involved in the translation;
# Description of the translation process undertaken; and
# Description of any public comment process and involvement (or request for involvement) of other affiliate teams from jurisdictions with the same official or primary language.

The CC legal team will review the information with the Regional Coordinators and the requesting affiliate team, and will make a determination as to appropriate next steps consistent with the processes and principles described above.

All teams beginning translations after December 2012 should follow the regular process outlined above.

==Supporting documents==
* [[Legal tools translation guide]]
* [[Media:Building_the_4.0_Suite.pdf|Building the 4.0 Suite (.pdf)]]
* [[Media:Making_BY_(comparison).pdf|Making the BY license (comparison) (.pdf)]]
* [[Media:Making_BY-SA_(comparison).pdf|Making the BY-SA license (comparison) (.pdf)]]
* [[Media:Making_BY-NC_(comparison).pdf|Making the BY-NC license (comparison) (.pdf)]]
* [[Media:Making_BY-ND_(comparison).pdf|Making the BY-ND license (comparison) (.pdf)]]
* [[Media:Making_BY-NC-ND_(comparison).pdf|Making the BY-NC-ND license (comparison) (.pdf)]]
* 4.0 translation worksheet: [[Media:4.0_translation_worksheet_(BY-NC-SA).odt|.odt]], [[Media:4.0_translation_worksheet_(BY-NC-SA).doc|.doc]], [[Media:4.0_translation_worksheet_(BY-NC-SA).pdf|.pdf]] (updated 5 Nov 14)

==Changelog==
* 29 October 2013: Policy established.
* 24 January 2014: More detailed summary.
* 4 February 2014: Additional supplemental material requirements, new version of internal checklist posted

(This policy is based on and replaces the CC0 Translation Policy, which was established in December 2012. You can [[CC0_Official_Translation_Process_and_Policy|view the old CC0 policy]].)

[[Category:Translation Project]]

File:4.0 translation worksheet (BY-NC-SA).doc

2014-11-05T19:28:30Z

Kat Walsh: new version with new sentence

new version with new sentence

File:4.0 translation worksheet (BY-NC-SA).pdf

2014-11-05T19:26:53Z

Kat Walsh: Kat Walsh uploaded a new version of "File:4.0 translation worksheet (BY-NC-SA).pdf"

File:4.0 translation worksheet (BY-NC-SA).odt

2014-11-05T19:26:33Z

Kat Walsh: Kat Walsh uploaded a new version of "File:4.0 translation worksheet (BY-NC-SA).odt"

ShareAlike interpretation

2014-10-30T01:44:15Z

Kat Walsh: /* Choosing SA for your content */ format

{{infobox|
'''THIS PAGE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. CREATIVE COMMONS DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR REPRESENTATION. CONSULT YOUR OWN LEGAL COUNSEL FOR LEGAL ADVICE.'''}}

==The ShareAlike license element==

The ShareAlike ("SA") element is found in two of the six CC licenses: BY-SA and BY-NC-SA. The ShareAlike mechanism is included in the version 4.0 licenses as follows:

* ''if You Share Adapted Material You produce, the following conditions also apply.''
** ''The Adapter’s License You apply must be a Creative Commons license with the same License Elements, this version or later, or a BY-NC-SA Compatible License.''
** ''You must include the text of, or the URI or hyperlink to, the Adapter's License You apply. You may satisfy this condition in any reasonable manner based on the medium, means, and context in which You Share Adapted Material.''
** ''You may not offer or impose any additional or different terms or conditions on, or apply any Effective Technological Measures to, Adapted Material that restrict exercise of the rights granted under the Adapter's License You apply.'' <ref>([https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode#s3b Section 3(b)] of the BY-SA 4.0 license)</ref>

==ShareAlike explained==

The ShareAlike licenses are known as "copyleft" licenses: they use copyright to ensure that the freedoms associated with a licensed work survive as the work is modified and adapted by others, and that those freedoms attach to adaptations of the work as well. The ShareAlike license has several intended effects:

* The original work always remains freely available to use and remix. Anyone who has access to the work may use it, even if they encounter the work in a modified form.
* Adaptations of the work are always freely available to use and remix. Anything made from the original work is just as free as the original work was, and you may use a remix as a starting point for your own works just as easily as starting from the original work.
* The ShareAlike licenses are designed to result in the creation of new works for the commons through their copyleft mechanism. Because new contributions to adaptations (when distributed) must be licensed under the same or a compatible license, people who wish to remix SA works also contribute back to the commons as a condition of using the SA work.

Creative Commons also has the ability to name other copyleft licenses as compatible with the ShareAlike licenses, as explained below. Licenses that CC names as compatible will also have these characteristics.

==Key points about the ShareAlike licenses==

'''The ShareAlike condition applies only for works considered adaptations under copyright law, not simply in collections with other works (also referred to as mere aggregations).''' When a ShareAlike work is remixed and shared, any Adapted Material must be licensed compatibly—but not all reuse of SA works creates Adapted Material.<ref> (What ''does'' create Adapted Material is not always easy to determine, and may differ across jurisdictions.)</ref> Simply including an SA work unmodified alongside unrelated materials does not produce an adaptation.

'''Compatible licenses are limited to those explicitly named.''' Though many licenses may work similarly to the ShareAlike licenses, Adapted Material may only be created and distributed under those licenses explicitly named on CC’s [http://creativecommons.org/compatiblelicenses Compatible Licenses page]. CC undertakes a detailed and participatory [[ShareAlike_compatibility_process_and_criteria|review process]] before naming any license as compatible in order to ensure that the expectations of its licensing community are being upheld. Only licenses approved through this process are compatible; any others must be evaluated by CC and the community to ensure that fundamental incompatibilities do not exist. You may ask CC to review a license according to the process if you believe it should be compatible.

'''The ShareAlike term applies to licensed uses only, not uses by the rightsholder.''' As with all CC licenses, the SA licenses only restrict what a reuser may do under the license and not what the licensor (rightsholder) can do. Licensors that make their works available under an SA license are always free to share their works under other terms if they wish.

'''ShareAlike does not limit uses otherwise allowed by limitations and exceptions to copyright.''' Nothing in the SA licenses (or any CC license) controls or conditions uses covered by an exception or limitation to copyright or similar rights, or otherwise controls any activity for which no permission under such rights is required. For example, in many jurisdictions, a person does not have to ShareAlike if the work as adapted is being used for purposes of criticism or parody. Similarly, because posting a link to a work does not require permission under copyright, a user may include a link to SA-licensed material on a website whose content is All Rights Reserved. In such cases, the CC license never comes into play and the SA and other conditions may be disregarded.

'''Explanations of ShareAlike do not modify the CC license.''' Some licensors or website providers state expectations or interpretations about what SA means. Those explanations [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode#s7 never form part of the CC license], even if included in terms of service or another resource designed to contractually bind reusers. CC strongly discourages the practice when such statements carve back (rather than expand) on reuses allowed by the SA definition. When those statements are intended to modify the CC license in a way that limits the permissions otherwise granted by the license, no CC trademarks may be associated with either the work or the terms under which it is offered. For more information about CC’s license modification policy, visit [[Modifying the CC licenses|this page on modifying the CC licenses]].

'''Unless other restrictions are present, the work may be used for any purpose, without the need to make distinctions about allowable types of uses.''' One reason to use an SA license is that it allows creators to permit a broad range of persons and entities to use the work, without needing to trust that they will respect your desire to keep the work in the commons. Many licensors are concerned that a reuser will exploit their CC-licensed work, getting the benefit of it without giving anything back to the community that created it. Under the ShareAlike licenses, a licensor may use the work for any purpose whatsoever, so long as the work and any resulting adaptations are available under the SA or a compatible license.

'''The ShareAlike condition only applies when a work is publicly shared.''' You are not obligated to share things you make from SA works--you may create remixes and adaptations that you do not publish. If you are using ShareAlike materials privately and not sharing them with others, you do not have to comply with the license conditions. For example, if you translate a ShareAlike work for internal use within your office, you do not have to license your translation under an SA or compatible license unless you plan to share it with others.

==Examples==

'''ShareAlike photo being used unmodified in a larger work.''' Unless the larger work would be considered an adaptation of it, using a ShareAlike photo as a separate element within it does not require original materials in the larger work to be ShareAlike or compatible. The larger work may be licensed under any terms.

'''Translation of a ShareAlike work.''' The translation is an adaptation of the original ShareAlike work, and must be licensed compatibly. The SA-licensed original work is inseparable from the translation; it must be distributed under SA terms, as must the translator’s contribution.

'''Material from a ShareAlike-licensed course remixed to form another course.''' If an SA-licensed course (including, for example, material such as a textbook and lesson plan) is rearranged and remixed to form a differently-arranged course that is considered an adaptation of the original, the new course must be licensed compatibly with SA. (Note that non-SA materials may still be studied--for example, an SA-licensed course on photography may discuss non-SA photographs, but the instructional materials created for the course must be SA or compatible.) If the course *itself* is not under an SA license, but individual materials within the larger course are, then only if you reuse the SA-licensed content do you need to consider your obligations under the SA license.

'''ShareAlike material referenced in a course.''' You may refer to ShareAlike material in a course without affecting the licensing of the course itself. For example, any course on film studies may discuss an SA-licensed movie without requiring the course itself to be ShareAlike. This is because the course is not based on or derived from the SA film; the film is simply an item being studied.

'''ShareAlike music being used as the soundtrack to a video.''' This is one explicit requirement of the SA licenses, which provide that all synching of SA-licensed music with other content creates an adaptation. In these instances, the resulting video must be under a ShareAlike or compatible license.

==Choosing SA for your content==

Before opting to use an SA license for your material, consider the following:

* SA may be incompatible with other material you want to use in your remix. Because the ShareAlike licenses require that adapted material of a ShareAlike work be licensed under a ShareAlike or a compatible license, you should be aware of the licenses covering the other materials that you want to use in your remix.
* BY-SA allows your work to be used commercially. While the BY-SA license requires that commercial entities using the work comply with the terms of the license, they may sell or otherwise use your work or their adaptation of your work for commercial purposes.
* SA licenses may not be allowed by the institutions or publications you wish to create content for. (For example, some journals such as PLOS ONE require that all submissions be under the CC BY license.) You may offer other licenses for your work in this case, but the SA license alone will not be sufficient.
* Some potential reusers may not be willing or able to comply with the additional conditions of SA, which may limit reuse of your work.
* The operation of the ShareAlike license depends on what is an adaptation under a particular jurisdiction’s copyright law. As this may differ across jurisdictions, the effect of this license may also differ jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

{{infobox|Disclaimer: '''THIS PAGE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. CREATIVE COMMONS DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR REPRESENTATION. CONSULT YOUR OWN LEGAL COUNSEL FOR LEGAL ADVICE.'''}}

==Footnotes==

[[Category:Legal]]

ShareAlike interpretation

2014-10-30T01:43:38Z

Kat Walsh: new page

{{infobox|
'''THIS PAGE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. CREATIVE COMMONS DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR REPRESENTATION. CONSULT YOUR OWN LEGAL COUNSEL FOR LEGAL ADVICE.'''}}

==The ShareAlike license element==

The ShareAlike ("SA") element is found in two of the six CC licenses: BY-SA and BY-NC-SA. The ShareAlike mechanism is included in the version 4.0 licenses as follows:

* ''if You Share Adapted Material You produce, the following conditions also apply.''
** ''The Adapter’s License You apply must be a Creative Commons license with the same License Elements, this version or later, or a BY-NC-SA Compatible License.''
** ''You must include the text of, or the URI or hyperlink to, the Adapter's License You apply. You may satisfy this condition in any reasonable manner based on the medium, means, and context in which You Share Adapted Material.''
** ''You may not offer or impose any additional or different terms or conditions on, or apply any Effective Technological Measures to, Adapted Material that restrict exercise of the rights granted under the Adapter's License You apply.'' <ref>([https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode#s3b Section 3(b)] of the BY-SA 4.0 license)</ref>

==ShareAlike explained==

The ShareAlike licenses are known as "copyleft" licenses: they use copyright to ensure that the freedoms associated with a licensed work survive as the work is modified and adapted by others, and that those freedoms attach to adaptations of the work as well. The ShareAlike license has several intended effects:

* The original work always remains freely available to use and remix. Anyone who has access to the work may use it, even if they encounter the work in a modified form.
* Adaptations of the work are always freely available to use and remix. Anything made from the original work is just as free as the original work was, and you may use a remix as a starting point for your own works just as easily as starting from the original work.
* The ShareAlike licenses are designed to result in the creation of new works for the commons through their copyleft mechanism. Because new contributions to adaptations (when distributed) must be licensed under the same or a compatible license, people who wish to remix SA works also contribute back to the commons as a condition of using the SA work.

Creative Commons also has the ability to name other copyleft licenses as compatible with the ShareAlike licenses, as explained below. Licenses that CC names as compatible will also have these characteristics.

==Key points about the ShareAlike licenses==

'''The ShareAlike condition applies only for works considered adaptations under copyright law, not simply in collections with other works (also referred to as mere aggregations).''' When a ShareAlike work is remixed and shared, any Adapted Material must be licensed compatibly—but not all reuse of SA works creates Adapted Material.<ref> (What ''does'' create Adapted Material is not always easy to determine, and may differ across jurisdictions.)</ref> Simply including an SA work unmodified alongside unrelated materials does not produce an adaptation.

'''Compatible licenses are limited to those explicitly named.''' Though many licenses may work similarly to the ShareAlike licenses, Adapted Material may only be created and distributed under those licenses explicitly named on CC’s [http://creativecommons.org/compatiblelicenses Compatible Licenses page]. CC undertakes a detailed and participatory [[ShareAlike_compatibility_process_and_criteria|review process]] before naming any license as compatible in order to ensure that the expectations of its licensing community are being upheld. Only licenses approved through this process are compatible; any others must be evaluated by CC and the community to ensure that fundamental incompatibilities do not exist. You may ask CC to review a license according to the process if you believe it should be compatible.

'''The ShareAlike term applies to licensed uses only, not uses by the rightsholder.''' As with all CC licenses, the SA licenses only restrict what a reuser may do under the license and not what the licensor (rightsholder) can do. Licensors that make their works available under an SA license are always free to share their works under other terms if they wish.

'''ShareAlike does not limit uses otherwise allowed by limitations and exceptions to copyright.''' Nothing in the SA licenses (or any CC license) controls or conditions uses covered by an exception or limitation to copyright or similar rights, or otherwise controls any activity for which no permission under such rights is required. For example, in many jurisdictions, a person does not have to ShareAlike if the work as adapted is being used for purposes of criticism or parody. Similarly, because posting a link to a work does not require permission under copyright, a user may include a link to SA-licensed material on a website whose content is All Rights Reserved. In such cases, the CC license never comes into play and the SA and other conditions may be disregarded.

'''Explanations of ShareAlike do not modify the CC license.''' Some licensors or website providers state expectations or interpretations about what SA means. Those explanations [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode#s7 never form part of the CC license], even if included in terms of service or another resource designed to contractually bind reusers. CC strongly discourages the practice when such statements carve back (rather than expand) on reuses allowed by the SA definition. When those statements are intended to modify the CC license in a way that limits the permissions otherwise granted by the license, no CC trademarks may be associated with either the work or the terms under which it is offered. For more information about CC’s license modification policy, visit [[Modifying the CC licenses|this page on modifying the CC licenses]].

'''Unless other restrictions are present, the work may be used for any purpose, without the need to make distinctions about allowable types of uses.''' One reason to use an SA license is that it allows creators to permit a broad range of persons and entities to use the work, without needing to trust that they will respect your desire to keep the work in the commons. Many licensors are concerned that a reuser will exploit their CC-licensed work, getting the benefit of it without giving anything back to the community that created it. Under the ShareAlike licenses, a licensor may use the work for any purpose whatsoever, so long as the work and any resulting adaptations are available under the SA or a compatible license.

'''The ShareAlike condition only applies when a work is publicly shared.''' You are not obligated to share things you make from SA works--you may create remixes and adaptations that you do not publish. If you are using ShareAlike materials privately and not sharing them with others, you do not have to comply with the license conditions. For example, if you translate a ShareAlike work for internal use within your office, you do not have to license your translation under an SA or compatible license unless you plan to share it with others.

==Examples==

'''ShareAlike photo being used unmodified in a larger work.''' Unless the larger work would be considered an adaptation of it, using a ShareAlike photo as a separate element within it does not require original materials in the larger work to be ShareAlike or compatible. The larger work may be licensed under any terms.

'''Translation of a ShareAlike work.''' The translation is an adaptation of the original ShareAlike work, and must be licensed compatibly. The SA-licensed original work is inseparable from the translation; it must be distributed under SA terms, as must the translator’s contribution.

'''Material from a ShareAlike-licensed course remixed to form another course.''' If an SA-licensed course (including, for example, material such as a textbook and lesson plan) is rearranged and remixed to form a differently-arranged course that is considered an adaptation of the original, the new course must be licensed compatibly with SA. (Note that non-SA materials may still be studied--for example, an SA-licensed course on photography may discuss non-SA photographs, but the instructional materials created for the course must be SA or compatible.) If the course *itself* is not under an SA license, but individual materials within the larger course are, then only if you reuse the SA-licensed content do you need to consider your obligations under the SA license.

'''ShareAlike material referenced in a course.''' You may refer to ShareAlike material in a course without affecting the licensing of the course itself. For example, any course on film studies may discuss an SA-licensed movie without requiring the course itself to be ShareAlike. This is because the course is not based on or derived from the SA film; the film is simply an item being studied.

'''ShareAlike music being used as the soundtrack to a video.''' This is one explicit requirement of the SA licenses, which provide that all synching of SA-licensed music with other content creates an adaptation. In these instances, the resulting video must be under a ShareAlike or compatible license.

==Choosing SA for your content==

Before opting to use an SA license for your material, consider the following:

* SA may be incompatible with other material you want to use in your remix. Because the ShareAlike licenses require that adapted material of a ShareAlike work be licensed under a ShareAlike or a compatible license, you should be aware of the licenses covering the other materials that you want to use in your remix.
* BY-SA allows your work to be used commercially. While the BY-SA license requires that commercial entities using the work comply with the terms of the license, they may sell or otherwise use your work or their adaptation of your work for commercial purposes.
SA licenses may not be allowed by the institutions or publications you wish to create content for. (For example, some journals such as PLOS ONE require that all submissions be under the CC BY license.) You may offer other licenses for your work in this case, but the SA license alone will not be sufficient.
* Some potential reusers may not be willing or able to comply with the additional conditions of SA, which may limit reuse of your work.
The operation of the ShareAlike license depends on what is an adaptation under a particular jurisdiction’s copyright law. As this may differ across jurisdictions, the effect of this license may also differ jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

{{infobox|Disclaimer: '''THIS PAGE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. CREATIVE COMMONS DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR REPRESENTATION. CONSULT YOUR OWN LEGAL COUNSEL FOR LEGAL ADVICE.'''}}

==Footnotes==

[[Category:Legal]]

Platform Integration Guide

2014-10-14T01:24:18Z

Kat Walsh: new page

This guide provides a non-exhaustive list of policies, guidelines, and recommendations for platforms planning to integrate Creative Commons licensing. Technological integration recommendations are being developed separately and linked to from this page.

==Policies==

* If you make a change to the text of any CC license, you may no longer refer to it as a Creative Commons or CC license, and you may not use any CC trademarks (including the Creative Commons name) or branding in connection with the license. This includes website terms of service or other resources that impose on reusers of CC-licensed material additional conditions or that narrow the permissions granted by the CC license. See the CC [[Modifying_the_CC_licenses|License Modification Policy]] for more information.

* All uses of CC trademarks and logos must adhere to CC’s [https://creativecommons.org/policies#trademark Trademark Policy], unless otherwise agreed by CC.

==Guidelines==

There are many considerations relevant to terms of use for websites integrating CC licensing to their platform. CC has published a [[Terms_of_Service_Guidelines|website terms of service guide]].

==Recommendations==

* Use the most current version of our legal tools (currently, version 4.0 for licenses and version 1.0 for CC0), and ideally provide that content may be used under that version or any later version (more on this below).

* Clearly and properly mark all CC-licensed content on the website with [[Marking_Works_Technical|appropriate metadata]] so that it is machine-readable.

* Properly display [[Marking|attribution information]].

* Reasonably communicate to users what Creative Commons is and how CC licenses work, either on the website or by linking back to CC’s website. Here are some examples:

**[http://vimeo.com/creativecommons Vimeo]; also [http://vimeo.com/help/faq/legal-stuff/creative-commons in their FAQ]
**[https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2797468/ YouTube]
**[http://help.soundcloud.com/customer/portal/articles/243852 SoundCloud]

* Enable users to apply a CC license to their works easily at point of upload, and to indicate third party content under separate terms. See CC’s [Web Integration|Website Integration Guide]].

* Enable users to change the license on any individual work at any point and make other users aware of that change. (Keep in mind, however, that CC licenses are irrevocable, so anyone who received the work under the original license has permission under that license perpetually unless they breach its terms.)

* Enable website users to search and filter by reuse rights (e.g., commercial uses allowed) or by type of CC license. For example, Flickr allows website visitors to [https://secure.flickr.com/creativecommons/ search for content by license type].

* Enable downloading of content in editable format, preferably in non-proprietary, non-DRM, open formats.

==Additional considerations==

* Consider limiting the available CC license options for uploaders. For example:
** An Open Educational Resources (OER) aggregation website may want to limit license choices to those that allow adaptations, so that the OER may be translated and otherwise localized.
** If you seek compatibility with YouTube, use CC BY 4.0.
** If you seek compatibility with Wikipedia, use CC BY 3.0, CC BY-SA 3.0, or the CC0 Public Domain Dedication.

* In addition to allowing uploads of original content created by the uploader, consider allowing users to upload content owned by others (“third-party content”), content that incorporates third-party content, and content derived from third-party content. When doing so, consider the following recommendations:
**to properly allow the upload of third-party CC-licensed content, your website terms of service should not require a direct license from the uploader (CC licenses do not allow sublicensing without express consent of the licensor), and your platform cannot impose Effective Technological Measures without the consent of the licensor. See our [[Terms_of_Service_Guidelines#3._third_party_content_.28i.e._content_owned_by_someone_other_than_the_uploader.29|website terms of service guide]] for more information.
** make it clear what type of third party content may be uploaded – for example, CC-licensed content? content used under fair use? etc;
** provide an easy-to-use mechanism for marking third-party content at the point of upload;
** make that marking viewable, with relevant links for third-party attribution and the original sources where possible; and
** integrate easy-to-use functionality for downstream users to carry through that information upon re-sharing; e.g., a feature that auto-generates a plaintext or HTML attribution statement.

CC Ports by Jurisdiction

2014-10-02T20:56:40Z

Kat Walsh: +ZA

{| style="border-collapse: collapse;" border="1" cellpadding="10"
|-
! style="background-color:#CCCCCC;" | Jurisdiction || style="background-color:#CCCCCC;" | Most Recent Ported Version || style="background-color:#CCCCCC;" | Earlier Ported Versions || style="background-color:#CCCCCC;"| 3.0 Public Discussion || style="background-color:#CCCCCC;" | 3.0 Launch Date
|-
| Argentina || 2.5 || none || ||
|-
| Australia || 3.0 || 2.5, 2.1, 2.0 || 12 June 2008 || 8 June 2010
|-
| Austria || 3.0 || 2.0 || 11 Feb 2008 || 14 Aug 2008
|-
| Belgium|| 2.0 || none || ||
|-
| Brazil || 3.0 || 2.5, 2.0 || || 29 Jan 2010
|-
| Bulgaria || 2.5 || none || ||
|-
| Canada || 2.5 || 2.0 || ||
|-
| Chile || 3.0 || 2.0 || 28 May 2008 || 22 Aug 2010
|-
| China || 3.0 || 2.5 || 12 Apr 2011 || 30 Aug 2012
|-
| Colombia || 2.5 || none || ||
|-
| Costa Rica || 3.0 || none || 28 July 2010 || 12 Jan 2011
|-
| Croatia || 3.0 || 2.5, 2.0 || || 19 March 2008
|-
| Czech Republic || 3.0 || none || 12 Jan 2009 || 16 Apr 2009
|-
| Denmark || 2.5 || none || ||
|-
| Ecuador || 3.0 || none || 21 Feb 2008 || 22 Apr 2008
|-
| Egypt || 3.0 || none || 1 Feb 2010 || 30 Apr 2013
|-
| England and Wales || 2.0 || none || ||
|-
| Estonia || 3.0 || none || 1 Jun 2010 || 6 Jan 2011
|-
| Finland || 1.0 || none || ||
|-
| France || 3.0 || 2.0 || 15 Sep 2011 || 11 Apr 2012
|-
| Germany || 3.0 || 2.0 || 18 Dec 2007 || 24 July 2008
|-
| Greece || 3.0 || none || 7 Mar 2007 || 13 Oct 2007
|-
| Guatemala || 3.0 || none || 2 May 2008 || 23 Oct 2008
|-
| Hong Kong || 3.0 || none || 3 Jan 2008 || 25 Oct 2008
|-
| Hungary || 2.5 || none || ||
|-
| India || 2.5 || none || ||
|-
| Intergovernmental organization ("IGO") || 3.0 || none || || 6 Dec 2013
|-
| Ireland || 3.0 || none || 2 Mar 2011 || 27 Feb 2012
|-
| Israel || 2.5 || 1.0 || ||
|-
| Italy || 3.0 || 2.5, 2.0 || 27 Oct 2009 || 10 June 2011
|-
| Japan || 2.1 || 2.0 || ||
|-
| Luxembourg || 3.0 || none || || 15 Oct 2007
|-
| Macedonia || 2.5 || none || ||
|-
| Malaysia || 2.5 || none || ||
|-
| Malta || 2.5 || none || ||
|-
| Mexico || 2.5 || none || ||
|-
| Netherlands || 3.0 || 2.5, 2.0, 1.0 || || 31 July 2007
|-
| New Zealand || 3.0 || none || 25 Aug 2007 || 27 Oct 2007
|-
| Norway || 3.0 || none || 21 Feb 2008 || 6 Jun 2008
|-
| Peru || 2.5 || none || ||
|-
| Philippines || 3.0 || none || || 15 Dec 2007
|-
| Poland || 3.0 || 2.5, 2.0 || 5 Dec 2007 || 23 Jul 2009
|-
| Portugal|| 3.0 || 2.5 || 23 Nov 2010 || 14 Oct 2011
|-
| Puerto Rico || 3.0 || none || Jul 2007 || 22 Feb 2008
|-
| Romania || 3.0 || none || 29 Jan 2008 || 2 Sept 2008
|-
| Scotland || 2.5 || none || ||
|-
| Serbia || 3.0 || none || 14 Nov 2007 || 15 Dec 2007
|-
| Singapore || 3.0 || none || 23 Jun 2008 || 25 Jul 2008
|-
| Slovenia || 2.5 || none || ||
|-
| South Africa || 3.0 || 2.5 || || 23 Jun 2014
|-
| South Korea || 2.0 || none || ||
|-
| Spain || 3.0 || 2.5, 2.1, 2.0 || 24 Feb 2007 || 17 Nov 2008
|-
| Sweden || 2.5 || none || ||
|-
| Switzerland || 3.0 || 2.5 || none || 16 April 2012
|-
| Taiwan || 3.0 || 2.5, 2.0 || || 31 Oct 2009
|-
| Thailand || 3.0 || none || 26 Nov 2007 || 2 Apr 2009
|-
| Uganda || 3.0 || none || 4 Jan 2012 || 28 Nov 2012
|-
| United States || 3.0 || none || || 23 Feb 2007
|-
| Venezuela || 3.0 || none || 2 Feb 2012 || 29 Nov 2013
|-
| Vietnam || 3.0 || none || 9 Jul 2009 || 7 May 2010
|-
|}
[[Category:Legal]]

Bash

2014-09-29T18:58:40Z

Kat Walsh: #REDIRECT IRC_channel_quotes

#REDIRECT [[IRC_channel_quotes]]

IRC channel quotes

2014-09-29T18:58:16Z

Kat Walsh: this page needs to exist

Amusing quotes from the #creativecommons IRC channel.
----
<pre>

<ryanmerkley> hi punkish
<punkish> damn, my CEO is also here. Now I have to show decorum.
<ryanmerkley> punkish: like that will really influence anything ...

----

</pre>

Updated Policies Page

2014-09-29T17:07:32Z

Kat Walsh: typo

This page features a '''DRAFT''' revision of the policies page for the CC websites. Once approved, these policies will replace the [http://creativecommons.org/policies current policies page].

===Summary of changes from the existing policies:===
# Added brief explanation about trademarks and the purposes they serve, for context.
# Added permission in advance to change colors of the double-c logo and its background. Under our prior policy, users did not have explicit permission to change those. It became a frequent ask and we're comfortable granting this permission in advance.
# Clarity that permission isn't needed for referential use. We receive a fair number of inquiries about whether permission is needed to refer to Creative Commons in a book or article or blog post. That's all perfectly fine of course, and couldn't be controlled via trademark in any event.
# Improved language re prohibition on using our logos with modifications of our licenses or legal tools or deeds, whether directly in the text or indirectly through terms of service. Cross reference is made to our expanded explanation and our policy [https://wiki.creativecommons.org/Modifying_the_CC_licenses here], which is already posted.
# Clarity about use of our legacy marks (for retired tools) -- that those remain subject to the policy even if retired, because works to which those have been applied remain under those terms.

===DRAFT: Full text of proposed policies page below===

'''Policies'''

Creative Commons maintains and publishes policies that apply to the use of our websites, content and software that we publish, our trademarks, and our affiliates. Note that some of these policies are maintained on other website pages but can be viewed by clicking on the relevant link below.

*Privacy Policy
*Website Terms of Use
*Copyright Licensing Policy for Content and Software Code
*Creative Commons Trademark Policy
*Copyright Infringement Notification Policy
*CC Affiliate policies

'''Copyright Licensing Policy for Content and Software Code'''

Other than the Creative Commons trademarks (licensed subject to the Trademark Policy below) and the text of Creative Commons legal tools and human-readable Commons deeds (dedicated to the public domain as specified below), all content on this site is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license unless otherwise noted.

:'''Software:''' All of the software code we create is free software. Please check our code repository for the specific license that applies to software code you wish to use.

:'''Legal text (we call this legal code) and Commons deeds:''' Creative Commons makes the legal code of its licenses and the CC0 Public Domain Dedication available under the CC0 Public Domain Dedication. CC also makes the Commons deeds associated with its licenses, the CC0 Public Domain Dedication, and the Public Domain Mark available under the CC0 Public Domain Dedication. This allows anyone to reuse those texts for any purpose; however, CC reserves fully and unconditionally all trademark and branding rights associated with the licenses, the CC0 Public Domain Dedication, and deeds. See the Trademark Policy below for more detail.

'''Creative Commons Trademark Policy'''

Trademarks are words, graphic designs, or other indicia that identify the source of a product or service. Creative Commons uses a variety of trademarks. Some Creative Commons trademarks serve the purpose of (i) communicating the type of legal tool chosen by the rights holder and/or (ii) indicating that the creator has applied a Creative Commons license to her work. Our registered trademarks and other trademarks include CREATIVE COMMONS (regardless of stylization, capitalization, translation, or other presentation), CC (including the CC in a circle logo (the “CC Logo”) and CC standing alone), CC+ (within a circle or standing alone), CC0, all of the Creative Commons license and public domain buttons and icons, and any combination of the foregoing, whether integrated into a larger whole or standing alone.

You are authorized to use our trademarks subject to this Trademark Policy, and only on the further condition that you download images of the trademarks directly from our website. You are not authorized to use any modified versions of our trademarks, except that you may use a different color for the CC logo and its background so long as the two colors chosen have a contrast ratio of at least 3:1.

Creative Commons retains the right to revoke any trademark license for any reason or for no specified reason. Creative Commons is particularly likely to revoke a license if, in its sole discretion, it finds that your use of the trademark is likely to bring disrepute to Creative Commons or any of its trademarks, or confuse the public.
For the avoidance of doubt, you do not need our permission to use our corporate logo for referential use (e.g., to refer to Creative Commons as an organization), provided that such use does not imply endorsement by or association with Creative Commons.

:'''Modification of CC Licenses:''' To prevent confusion and maintain consistency, you are not allowed to use CREATIVE COMMONS, CC, the CC Logo, or any other Creative Commons trademarks with modified versions of any of our legal tools or deeds, including modifications (often contained in a website’s terms of use) that do not modify the legal code directly but that further restrict or condition the rights granted by the particular legal tool. See this page for more information.

:'''Creative Commons Public Copyright License Marks:''' Creative Commons licenses the use of its public copyright license marks (a few of which are shown immediately to the right), which include the CC Logo, on the conditions that you use the marks solely to describe the Creative Commons license that applies to a particular work and include the URI or a hyperlink to the corresponding Commons deed on the Creative Commons server.

:'''Public Domain Dedication Marks:''' Creative Commons licenses the use of its public domain dedication marks (one of which is shown immediately to the right), on the conditions that you use the mark solely to describe that the CC0 Public Domain Dedication applies to a particular work and include the URI or a hyperlink to the Commons deed on the Creative Commons server.

:'''Public Domain Mark:''' Creative Commons licenses the use of its trademarked Public Domain Mark badge (shown immediately to the right) on the conditions that you use the mark solely to describe that the Creative Commons Public Domain Mark applies to a particular work and include the URI or hyperlink to the Public Domain Mark on the Creative Commons server.

:'''Creative Commons License Buttons and Icons:''' Creative Commons licenses the use of its button marks that describe a particular legal tool and its icon marks that describe a key license element (such as BY, NC, ND, and SA) on the conditions that you use the mark solely to describe the Creative Commons legal tool that applies to a particular work and include the URI or hyperlink to the relevant Commons deed on the Creative Commons server.

:'''Legacy marks:''' Creative Commons has retired some of its prior legal tools, all of which had associated trademarks, such as the Developing Nations License, the Sampling License, and Founder’s Copyright. Although these tools have been retired, they are still legally effective as to works to which they were applied. Therefore, those trademarks may only be used under the terms and conditions of this Trademark Policy. Creative Commons licenses the use of its legacy marks on the conditions that you use the mark solely to describe the Creative Commons legal tool that applies to the particular work and include the URI or hyperlink to the relevant Commons deed on the Creative Commons server. Note that legacy marks are not available for download on our website, so the condition that you must download images of the marks from our website does not apply to these marks.

:'''Additional permissions:''' In addition to the permissions granted in advance to the public as set forth above, Creative Commons may grant additional permissions upon request. Please submit any such request to info@creativecommons.org. Except as specifically stated above or otherwise set forth in a written agreement with you, no additional permissions are granted.

'''Copyright Infringement Notification Policy'''

If you have reason to believe that any material or activity on a site controlled or operated by Creative Commons (such as creativecommons.org, wiki.creativecommons.org, or open4us.org) is infringing the rights owned by you or someone else for whom you have authority to act, please follow our DMCA Notice & Takedown Procedure.

PLEASE NOTE: Creative Commons provides public copyright licenses and legal tools that anyone may use. We do not, however, control the use of Creative Commons licenses and legal tools, or have knowledge of whether the use of our licenses or legal tools is authorized by the copyright owner. Additionally, Creative Commons has no control over third-party websites, or over content belonging to persons or organizations other than Creative Commons. Any content hosted on a third-party website is the responsibility of those sites, and not of Creative Commons, even if the content bears a Creative Commons license or is otherwise marked with one of CC’s logos or other trademarks. If you are the copyright owner of content hosted on a third party site in an unauthorized manner, please contact the administrator of that website directly to have the content removed.

IRC

2014-09-23T20:45:21Z

Kat Walsh: add people directory

For those not familar with IRC have a look at the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Relay_Chat Wikipedia definition] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_IRC_clients download a software program] for your operating-system so you can participate in the CC channel.

There is a Creative Commons IRC channel on the [http://freenode.net/ freenode] network, called '''[irc://irc.freenode.net/creativecommons #creativecommons]'''.

There is also a channel for CC's free software development work: '''[irc://irc.freenode.net/creativecommons-dev #creativecommons-dev]'''.

== IRC help ==

Nicknames on IRC are on a per-server basis. We use the freenode server exclusively, so registering a nickname is a one-time deal.

First change your nickname to something unique:

/nick mattl

Then, when you have chosen your nickname register it with the nickname service.

/msg nickserv register password email

Replacing password with a strong password and email with your email address. For example:

/msg nickserv register sci3nce!! punkish@creativecommons.biz

You should save this password in your IRC client, if you can. On IRCCloud, click the name of the network (freenode) on the right of the screen, then click edit and expand the advanced options to find a place to save your nickserv password.

[[File:IRCCloudNicknames.png]]

==People==
Some people use IRC nicks that may or may not correspond to their actual names, and sometimes it's just not clear who people are. If you would like to be listed so that people can better identify you, add yourself here (in alphabetical order):

* mindspillage (or mind|wandering): Kat Walsh, CC Legal staff.

Legal Tools Translation/4.0/Castellano

2014-09-22T23:15:26Z

Kat Walsh: fix listing

{{4.0 Translation
|jurisdictions=Chile, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, Colombia, El Salvador
|coordinationplan=The team involved in the translation process was formed from a CC latam list that includes all the current cc affiliates and some communities in the process to became affiliates. Although Spain has the same language of the jurisdictions that participated, Latam RC had contacted Spain with no success onto their willing to cooperate on this translation.
|date=2014/04/01
|draftdate=2014/04/01
|publicdate=2014/10/01
|publicenddate=2014/10/31
|end_date=2014/11/20
|process=Initially we informed to the CC latam list of our intention of getting involved in the translation process and those who wanted joined the team.
After finishing the first translation draft and having it approved by the CC-HQ, it will be published using the CC wiki and the local web pages for receiving comments and inputs from the CC list but also from the public. We are thinking about giving one month for the public comment period and twenty days for arranging the inputs and preparing the launching.
We will try to build bridges with Spain to intend a common translation that so far has not been possible.
|website=https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LLQ8Ksh56KBoqwsbw1fNyYyLSJSBWz0Mf_iJzydQBdo/edit
|team=CC Venezuela: Marianne Diaz (coordinator), CC El Salvador: Claudia Ortiz, CC Colombia: Luisa Guzmán, CC México: León Sánchez, CC Perú: Rafael Salazar, CC Chile: Juan Carlos Lara.
|wordchoice=We did not have to take any particular decision regarding the word choice, that could be interpreted as changes to the English original. In case of doubt in the translation process we took into account previous translations of CC licenses.

|affirm=Yes
|status=In Progress
}}

Legal Tools Translation/4.0/Castellano

2014-09-22T22:52:07Z

Kat Walsh: Kat Walsh moved page Legal Tools Translation/4.0/Spanish to Legal Tools Translation/4.0/Castellano: more accurate name

{{4.0 Translation
|jurisdictions=Chile, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela
|coordinationplan=The team involved in the translation process was formed from a CC latam list that includes all the current cc affiliates and some communities in the process to became affiliates. Although Spain has the same language of the jurisdictions that participated, Latam RC had contacted Spain with no success onto their willing to cooperate on this translation.
|date=2014/04/01
|draftdate=2014/04/01
|publicdate=2014/10/01
|publicenddate=2014/10/31
|end_date=2014/11/20
|process=Initially we informed to the CC latam list of our intention of getting involved in the translation process and those who wanted joined the team.
After finishing the first translation draft and having it approved by the CC-HQ, it will be published using the CC wiki and the local web pages for receiving comments and inputs from the CC list but also from the public. We are thinking about giving one month for the public comment period and twenty days for arranging the inputs and preparing the launching.
We will try to build bridges with Spain to intend a common translation that so far has not been possible.
|website=https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LLQ8Ksh56KBoqwsbw1fNyYyLSJSBWz0Mf_iJzydQBdo/edit
|team=CC Venezuela, Marianne Diaz (coordinator)
CC El Salvador, Claudia Ortiz
CC Colombia, Luisa Guzmán
CC México, León Sánchez
CC Perú, Rafael Salazar
CC Chile, Juan Carlos Lara
|wordchoice=We did not have to take any particular decision regarding the word choice, that could be interpreted as changes to the English original. In case of doubt in the translation process we took into account previous translations of CC licenses.

|affirm=Yes
|status=In Progress
}}

Frequently Asked Questions

2014-09-17T16:54:12Z

Kat Walsh: /* What if I have received CC-licensed material with additional restrictions? */ +modifying the CC licenses guide

__NOTOC__
These FAQs are designed to provide a better understanding of Creative Commons, our licenses, and our other legal and technical tools. They provide basic information, sometimes about fairly complex topics, and will often link to more detailed information.

* Other CC FAQs: [[CC0_FAQ|CC0 Public Domain Dedication]] and [[PDM_FAQ|Public Domain Mark]].
* "Licensor", "rights holder", "owner", and "creator" may be used interchangeably to refer to the person or entity applying a CC license.
* Information about the licenses is primarily made with reference to the 4.0 suite, but earlier [[License_Versions|license versions]] are mentioned where they differ.
* Have a question that isn't answered here? Contact info@creativecommons.org.

{{Infobox|
'''Creative Commons does not provide legal advice.''' This FAQ is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for legal advice. It may not cover important issues that affect you. You should consult with your own lawyer if you have questions.|}}

==Questions==

===Most Frequently Asked Questions===

#[[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_other_tools.2C_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F|Can Creative Commons give legal advice about its licenses or other tools, or help with CC license enforcement?]]
#[[#Who_gives_permission_to_use_material_offered_under_Creative_Commons_licenses.3F|Who gives permission to use material offered under Creative Commons licenses?]]
#[[#How_do_I_properly_attribute_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F|How do I properly attribute material offered under a Creative Commons license?]]
#[[#What_if_CC_licenses_have_not_been_ported_to_my_jurisdiction_.28country.29.3F |What if CC licenses have not been ported to my jurisdiction (country)?]]
#[[#When_is_my_use_considered_an_adaptation.3F|When is my use considered an adaptation?]]
#[[#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F | Does my use violate the NonCommercial clause of the licenses?]]
#[[#Can_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_software.3F | Can I apply a Creative Commons license to software?]]
#[[#How_can_I_change_or_remove_the_Creative_Commons_search_option_built_into_the_Firefox_browser.3F | How can I change or remove the Creative Commons search option built into the Firefox browser?]]
#[[#Can_I_change_the_license_terms_or_conditions.3F | Can I change the license terms or conditions?]]

===About CC===

#[[#What_is_Creative_Commons_and_what_do_you_do.3F | What is Creative Commons and what do you do?]]
#[[#Is_Creative_Commons_against_copyright.3F | Is Creative Commons against copyright?]]
#[[#What_does_.22Some_Rights_Reserved.22_mean.3F | What does "Some Rights Reserved" mean?]]
#[[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_other_tools.2C_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F | Can Creative Commons give legal advice about its licenses or other tools, or help with CC license enforcement?]]
#[[#Does_Creative_Commons_collect_or_track_materials_licensed_under_a_CC_license.3F | Does Creative Commons collect or track material licensed under a CC license?]]
#[[#What_do_the_Creative_Commons_buttons_do.3F | What do the Creative Commons buttons do?]]
#[[#May_I_use_the_Creative_Commons_logo_and_buttons.3F|May I use the Creative Commons logo and buttons?]]
#[[#I_love_Creative_Commons._How_can_I_help.3F | I love Creative Commons. How can I help?]]
#[[#Why does Creative Commons run an annual fundraising campaign? What is the money used for and where does it go.3F | Why does Creative Commons run an annual fundraising campaign? What is the money used for and where does it go?]]

===General License Information===

#[[#What_are_Creative_Commons_licenses.3F|What are Creative Commons licenses?]]
#[[#How_do_CC_licenses_operate.3F|How do CC licenses operate?]]
#[[#Which_is_the_latest_version_of_the_licenses_offered_by_Creative_Commons.3F|Which is the latest version of the licenses offered by Creative Commons?]]
#[[#Do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_exceptions_and_limitations_to_copyright.2C_such_as_fair_dealing_and_fair_use.3F | Do Creative Commons licenses affect exceptions and limitations to copyright, such as fair dealing and fair use?]]
#[[#Who_gives_permission_to_use_material_offered_under_Creative_Commons_licenses.3F|Who gives permission to use material offered under Creative Commons licenses?]]
#[[#Are_Creative_Commons_licenses_enforceable_in_a_court_of_law.3F | Are Creative Commons licenses enforceable in a court of law?]]
#[[#What_happens_if_someone_applies_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_my_work_without_my_knowledge_or_authorization.3F | What happens if someone applies a CC license to my work without my knowledge or authorization?]]
#[[#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F | What are the international (“unported”) Creative Commons licenses, and why does CC offer “ported” licenses?]]
#[[#Can_I_include_a_work_licensed_with_CC_BY_in_a_Wikipedia_article_even_though_they_use_a_CC_BY-SA_license.3F | Can I include a work licensed with CC BY in a Wikipedia article even though they use a CC BY-SA license?]]
#[[#Can_governments_and_intergovernmental_organizations_.28.22IGOs.22.29_use_CC_licenses.3F | Can governments and intergovernmental organizations ("IGOs") use CC licenses?]]
#[[#What_are_the_official_translations_of_the_CC_licenses.3F|What are the official translations of the CC licenses?]]

===For Licensors===
'''NB: You should never apply a CC license to a work unless you have [[Considerations for licensors and licensees|all the permissions you need]] to do so. '''
====Choosing a license====
#[[#What_things_should_I_think_about_before_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F| What things should I think about before I apply a Creative Commons license?]]
#[[#How_should_I_decide_which_license_to_choose.3F|How should I decide which license to choose?]]
#[[#Why_should_I_use_the_latest_version_of_the_Creative_Commons_licenses.3F|Why should I use the latest version of the Creative Commons licenses?]]
#[[#What_if_CC_licenses_have_not_been_ported_to_my_jurisdiction.3F|What if CC licenses have not been ported to my jurisdiction?]]
#[[#Should_I_choose_an_international_license_or_a_ported_license.3F|Should I choose an international license or a ported license?]]
#[[#Why_should_I_use_the_license_chooser.3F_What_if_I_don.E2.80.99t.3F|Why should I use the license chooser? What if I don’t?]]
#[[#How_do_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_my_material.3F | How do I apply a Creative Commons license to my material?]]
#[[#Do_I_need_to_register_with_Creative_Commons_before_I_obtain_a_license.3F | Do I need to register with Creative Commons before I obtain a license?]]

====What can I license?====
#[[#What_do_the_terms_and_conditions_of_a_CC_license_apply_to.3F | What do the terms and conditions of a CC license apply to?]]
#[[#Can_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_software.3F | Can I apply a Creative Commons license to software?]]
#[[#Can_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_databases.3F | Can I apply a Creative Commons license to databases?]]
#[[#Could_I_use_a_CC_license_to_share_my_logo_or_trademark.3F | Could I use a CC license to share my logo or trademark?]]
#[[#May_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_a_work_in_the_public_domain.3F | May I apply a Creative Commons license to a work in the public domain?]]
#[[#If_I_take_a_photograph_of_another_work_that_is_out_of_copyright_and_in_the_public_domain,_can_I_apply_a_CC_license_to_my_photo.3F | If I take a photograph of another work that is out of copyright and in the public domain, can I apply a CC license to my photo?]]
#[[#May_I_apply_a_CC_license_to_my_work_if_it_incorporates_material_used_under_fair_use_or_another_exception_or_limitation_to_copyright?|May I apply a CC license to my work if it incorporates material used under fair use or another exception or limitation to copyright? ]]

====Rights other than copyright====
#[[#Can_I_use_CC_licenses_to_license_rights_other_than_copyright.3F|Can I use CC licenses to license rights other than copyright?]]
#[[#How_do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_my_moral_rights.2C_if_at_all.3F | How do Creative Commons licenses affect my moral rights, if at all?]]
#[[#Can_I_place_a_trademark_on_a_work_and_offer_the_work_under_a_CC_license_without_also_licensing_or_otherwise_affecting_rights_in_the_trademark.3F_If_so.2C_how.3F | Can I place a trademark on a work and offer the work under a CC license without also licensing or affecting rights in the trademark?]]
#[[#How_are_publicity,_privacy,_and_personality_rights_affected_when_I_apply_a_CC_license.3F|How are publicity, privacy, and personality rights affected when I apply a CC license?]]

====Business models====
#[[#Can_I_apply_a_CC_license_to_low-resolution_copies_of_a_licensed_work_and_reserve_more_rights_in_high-resolution_copies.3F | Can I apply a CC license to low-resolution copies of a licensed work and reserve more rights in high-resolution copies?]]
#[[#Can_I_use_a_Creative_Commons_license_if_I_am_a_member_of_a_collecting_society.3F | Can I use a Creative Commons license if I am a member of a collecting society?]]
#[[#Can_I_still_make_money_from_a_work_I_make_available_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F | Can I still make money from a work I make available under a Creative Commons license?]]

====Alterations and additions to the license====
#[[#Can_I_insist_on_the_exact_placement_of_the_attribution_credit.3F | Can I insist on the exact placement of the attribution credit?]]
#[[#Can_I_change_the_license_terms_or_conditions.3F | Can I change the license terms or conditions?]]
#[[#Can_I_waive_license_terms_or_conditions.3F | Can I waive license terms or conditions?]]
#[[#Can_I_enter_into_separate_or_supplemental_agreements_with_users_of_my_work.3F|Can I enter into separate or supplemental agreements with users of my work?]]

====After licensing====
#[[#What_happens_if_I_offer_my_material_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_someone_misuses_them.3F | What happens if I offer my materials under a Creative Commons license and someone misuses them?]]
#[[#What_can_I_do_if_I_offer_my_material_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_I_do_not_like_the_way_someone_uses_it.3F | What can I do if I offer my material under a Creative Commons license and I do not like the way someone uses it?]]
#[[#What_do_I_do_if_someone_tries_to_place_effective_technological_measures_.28such_as_DRM.29_on_my_CC-licensed_material.3F|What do I do if someone tries to place effective technological measures (such as DRM) on my CC-licensed material?]]
#[[#When_I_release_my_work_under_a_CC_license_in_one_format_(e.g.,_.pdf),_can_I_restrict_licensees_from_changing_it_to_or_using_it_in_other_formats.3F|When I release my work under a CC license in one format (e.g., .pdf), can I restrict licensees from changing it to or using it in other formats?]]
#[[#What_if_I_change_my_mind_about_using_a_CC_license.3F|What if I change my mind about using a CC license?]]

===For Licensees===
====Before using CC-licensed material====
#[[#What_should_I_think_about_before_using_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F | What should I think about before using material offered under a Creative Commons license?]]
#[[#Does_a_Creative_Commons_license_give_me_all_the_rights_I_need_to_use_the_work.3F | Does a Creative Commons license give me all the rights I need to use the work?]]
#[[#What_if_there_are_sui_generis_database_rights_that_apply_to_my_use_of_a_CC-licensed_database.3F|What if there are sui generis database rights that apply to my use of a CC-licensed database?]]
#[[#Where_can_I_find_material_offered_under_a_CC_license.3F | Where can I find material offered under a CC license?]]
#[[#Are_Creative_Commons_works_really_free_to_use.3F|Are Creative Commons works really free to use?]]
#[[#What_should_I_know_about_differences_between_the_international_licenses_and_the_ported_licenses.3F | What should I know about differences between the international licenses and the ported licenses?]]

====General license compliance====
#[[#What_happens_if_I_want_to_use_the_material_in_a_way_that_is_not_permitted_by_the_license.3F | What happens if I want to use the material in a way that is not permitted by the license?]]
#[[#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not,_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|Do I always have to comply with the license terms? If not, what are the exceptions?]]

====Attribution====
#[[#How_do_I_properly_attribute_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F | How do I properly attribute material offered under a Creative Commons license?]]
#[[#Do_I_need_to_be_aware_of_anything_else_when_providing_attribution.3F | Do I need to be aware of anything else when providing attribution?]]
#[[#Do_I_always_have_to_attribute_the_creator_of_the_licensed_material.3F|Do I always have to attribute the creator of the licensed material?]]

====Using licensed material====
#[[#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F | Does my use violate the NonCommercial clause of the licenses?]]
#[[#Can_I_take_a_CC-licensed_work_and_use_it_in_a_different_format.3F|Can I take a CC-licensed work and use it in a different format?]]
#[[#How_do_I_know_if_a_low-resolution_photo_and_a_high-resolution_photo_are_the_same_work.3F|How do I know if a low-resolution photo and a high-resolution photo are the same work?]]
#[[#Can_I_use_effective_technological_measures_(such_as_DRM)_when_I_share_CC-licensed_material.3F|Can I use effective technological measures (such as DRM) when I share CC-licensed material?]]
#[[#Can_I_share_CC-licensed_material_on_password-protected_sites.3F|Can I share CC-licensed material on password-protected sites?]]
#[[#Can_I_share_CC-licensed_material_on_file-sharing_networks.3F|Can I share CC-licensed material on file-sharing networks?]]

====Additional restrictions on licensed material====
#[[#What_if_I_received_CC-licensed_material_encumbered_with_effective_technological_measures_(such_as_DRM).3F|What if I received CC-licensed material encumbered with effective technological measures (such as DRM)?]]
#[[#What_if_I_have_received_CC-licensed_material_with_additional_restrictions.3F|What if I have received CC-licensed material with additional restrictions?]]

====Combining and adapting CC material====
#[[#When_is_my_use_considered_an_adaptation.3F|When is my use considered an adaptation?]]
#[[#Can_I_combine_material_under_different_Creative_Commons_licenses_in_my_work.3F|Can I combine material that uses different Creative Commons licenses into my work?]]
#[[#If_I_derive_or_adapt_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.2C_which_CC_license.28s.29_can_I_use.3F|If I derive or adapt material offered under a Creative Commons license, which CC license(s) can I use?]]
#[[#If_I_create_a_collection_that_includes_a_work_offered_under_a_CC_license.2C_which_license.28s.29_may_I_choose_for_the_collection.3F|If I create a collection that includes a work offered under a CC license, which license(s) may I choose for the collection?]]

====License termination====
#[[#When_do_ Creative_Commons_licenses_expire.3F|When do Creative Commons licenses expire? ]]
#[[#What_happens_if_the_author_decides_to_revoke_the_CC_license_to_material_I_am_using.3F|What happens if the author decides to revoke the CC license to material I am using?]]
#[[#How_can_I_lose_my_rights_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F_If_that_happens,_how_do_I_get_them_back.3F|How can I lose my rights under a Creative Commons license? If that happens, how do I get them back?]]

===Technical Questions===

#[[#How_do_Creative_Commons_licenses_and_public_domain_tools_work_technically.3F | How do Creative Commons licenses and public domain tools work technically?]]
#[[#What_does_it_mean_that_Creative_Commons_licenses_are_.22machine-readable.22.3F | What does it mean that Creative Commons licenses are "machine-readable"?]]
#[[#What_is_RDFa.3F | What is RDFa?]]
#[[#What_is_CC_REL_and_why_does_Creative_Commons_recommend_it.3F | What is CC REL and why does Creative Commons recommend it?]]
#[[#What_does_it_mean_for_a_search_engine_to_be_CC-enabled.3F | What does it mean for a search engine to be CC-enabled?]]
#[[#How_do_I_give_users_of_my_site_the_option_to_use_CC_licensing_like_Flickr_does.3F | How do I give users of my site the option to use CC licensing like Flickr does?]]
#[[#How_can_I_change_or_remove_the_Creative_Commons_search_option_built_into_the_Firefox_browser.3F | How do I change/remove the Creative Commons search options built into the Firefox browser?]]
#[[#Is_Creative_Commons_involved_in_digital_rights_management_.28DRM.29.3F | Is Creative Commons involved in digital rights management (DRM)?]]

===Legal Background===

#[[#What_is_copyright_and_why_does_it_matter.3F | What is copyright and why does it matter?]]
#[[#What_is_the_public_domain.3F | What is the public domain?]]
#[[#What_do_I_need_to_do_to_get_a_copyright.3F | What do I need to do to get a copyright?]]
#[[#What_is_an_adaptation.3F | What is an adaptation?]]
#[[#What_are_moral_rights.3F | What are moral rights?]]
#[[#What_are_neighboring_rights.3F | What are neighboring rights?]]
#[[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|What are sui generis database rights?]]
#[[#What_are_collecting_societies.3F | What are collecting societies?]]
#[[#What_are_publicity,_personality,_and_privacy_rights.3F|What are publicity, personality, and privacy rights?]]

===Data===
====Frequently asked questions about data and CC licenses====
#[[#Can_databases_be_released_under_CC_licenses.3F|Can databases be released under CC licenses?]]
#[[#When_a_CC_license_is_applied_to_a_database,_what_is_being_licensed.3F|When a CC license is applied to a database, what is being licensed?]]
#[[#How_do_I_apply_a_CC_legal_tool_to_a_database.3F|How do I apply a CC legal tool to a database?]]
#[[#How_do_the_different_CC_license_elements_operate_for_a_CC-licensed_database.3F|How do the different CC license elements operate for a CC-licensed database?]]
#[[#Can_I_conduct_text/data_mining_on_a_CC-licensed_database.3F|Can I conduct text/data mining on a CC-licensed database?]]
#[[#How_does_the_treatment_of_sui_generis_database_rights_vary_in_prior_versions_of_CC_licenses.3F|How does the treatment of sui generis database rights vary in prior versions of CC licenses?]]
#[[#What_is_the_difference_between_the_Open_Data_Commons_licenses_and_the_CC_4.0_licenses.3F|What is the difference between the Open Data Commons licenses and the CC 4.0 licenses?]]

====Frequently asked questions about data, generally====

#[[#Which_components_of_databases_are_protected_by_copyright.3F|Which components of databases are protected by copyright?]]
#[[#How_do_I_know_whether_a_particular_use_of_a_database_is_restricted_by_copyright.3F|How do I know whether a particular use of a database is restricted by copyright?]]
#[[#If_my_use_of_a_database_is_restricted_by_copyright,_how_do_I_comply_with_the_license.3F|If my use of a database is restricted by copyright, how do I comply with the license?]]
#[[#Which_components_of_a_database_are_protected_by_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|Which components of a database are protected by sui generis database rights?]]
#[[#How_do_I_know_whether_a_particular_use_of_a_database_is_restricted_by_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|How do I know whether a particular use of a database is restricted by sui generis database rights?]]
#[[#What_constitutes_a_“substantial_portion”_of_a_database.3F|What constitutes a “substantial portion” of a database?]]
#[[#If_my_use_of_a_database_is_restricted_by_sui_generis_database_rights,_how_do_I_comply_with_the_license.3F|If my use of a database is restricted by sui generis database rights, how do I comply with the license?]]

<hr/>

==About CC==






====What is Creative Commons and what do you do?====

Creative Commons is a global nonprofit organization that enables sharing and reuse of creativity and knowledge through the provision of free legal tools. Our legal tools help those who want to encourage reuse of their works by offering them for use under generous, standardized terms; those who want to make creative uses of works; and those who want to benefit from this symbiosis. Our vision is to help others realize the full potential of the internet. CC has affiliates [http://creativecommons.org/international/ all over the world] who help ensure our licenses work internationally and who raise awareness of our work.

Although Creative Commons is best known for its licenses, our work extends beyond just providing copyright licenses. CC offers other legal and technical tools that also facilitate sharing and discovery of creative works, such as [http://creativecommons.org/choose/zero/ CC0], a public domain dedication for rights holders who wish to put their work into the public domain before the expiration of copyright, and the [http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0 Public Domain Mark], a tool for marking a work that is in the worldwide public domain. [[#Technical_Questions_2|Creative Commons licenses and tools were designed specifically to work with the web]], which makes content that is offered under their terms easy to search for, discover, and use.

For more information about CC, our [http://creativecommons.org main website] contains in-depth information about [http://creativecommons.org/about/ the organization], its [http://creativecommons.org/staff/ staff and board of directors], its [http://creativecommons.org/about/history history], and its [https://support.creativecommons.org/supporters supporters]. You can also read [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Case_Studies CC case studies] to learn about some of the inspiring ways CC licenses and tools have been used to share works and support innovative business models. You can find regularly updated information about CC by visiting the [http://creativecommons.org/weblog blog].

====Is Creative Commons against copyright?====

Absolutely not. CC has [http://creativecommons.org/weblog/entry/22643 responded to claims to the contrary]. CC licenses are copyright licenses, and depend on the existence of copyright to work. CC licenses are legal tools that creators and other rights holders can use to offer certain usage rights to the public, while reserving other rights. Those who want to make their work available to the public for limited kinds of uses while preserving their copyright may want to consider using CC licenses. Others who want to reserve all of their rights under copyright law should not use CC licenses.

That said, Creative Commons recognizes the need for change in copyright law, and many members of the Creative Commons community are active participants in the copyright reform movement. For more information, see our [http://creativecommons.org/about/reform statement in support of copyright reform].

====What does "Some Rights Reserved" mean?====

[[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_is_copyright_and_why_does_it_matter.3F|Copyright]] grants to creators a bundle of exclusive rights over their creative works, which generally include, at a minimum, the right to reproduce, distribute, display, and make adaptations. The phrase "All Rights Reserved" is often used by owners to indicate that they reserve all of the rights granted to them under the law. When copyright expires, the work enters the [[#What_is_the_public_domain.3F | public domain]], and the rights holder can no longer stop others from engaging in those activities under copyright, with the exception of moral rights reserved to creators in some jurisdictions. Creative Commons licenses offer creators a spectrum of choices between retaining all rights and relinquishing all rights (public domain), an approach we call "Some Rights Reserved."




====Can Creative Commons give legal advice about its licenses or other tools, or help with CC license enforcement?====

No. Creative Commons is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal services. CC is similar to a self-help service that offers free, form-based legal documents for others to use. These FAQ answers many of the most common questions. There is also specialized information available on the following pages:

*[[Marking/Creators|Marking practices for creators]]
*[[Marking/Users|Marking practices for reusers]]
*[[Data FAQ|Data FAQ]]
*[[License versions|Differences between CC license versions]]
*[[Jurisdiction Database|Differences between jurisdiction ports of earlier license versions]]
*[[PDM_FAQ|Public domain mark FAQ]]
*[[CC0_FAQ|CC0 FAQ]]

While CC does provide this informational guidance about its licenses and other tools, this information may not apply to your particular situation, and should never be taken as legal advice.

If you're looking for legal advice about using CC licenses and other tools, we recommend contacting the [[CC Affiliate Network|Creative Commons affiliate in your jurisdiction]]. CC affiliates are highly connected to the communities of copyright lawyers in their countries. We also offer a [[CC_Friendly_Lawyers|list of lawyers and organizations]] who have identified themselves as willing to provide information to others about CC licensing issues. However, please note that CC does not provide referral services, and does not endorse or recommend any person on that list.





====Does Creative Commons collect or track material licensed under a CC license?====

No, CC does not collect content or track licensed material. However, CC builds technical tools that help the public search for and use works licensed under our licenses and other legal tools, and many others have built such tools as well. [http://search.creativecommons.org/ CC Search] is one tool developed by CC to help the public discover works offered under Creative Commons licenses on the internet via CC-aware search engines and repositories.



====What do the Creative Commons buttons do?====

The CC buttons are a shorthand way to convey the basic permissions associated with material offered under CC licenses. Creators and owners who apply CC licenses to their material can [http://creativecommons.org/about/downloads download and apply those buttons] to communicate to users the permissions granted in advance. When the material is offered online, the buttons should usually link out to the human-readable license deeds (which, in turn, link to the license itself).






====May I use the Creative Commons logo and buttons?====

You may [http://creativecommons.org/about/downloads download high resolution versions] of the Creative Commons logos and use them in connection with your work or your website, provided you comply with our [http://creativecommons.org/policies policies]. Among other things, if you use the logos on a website or on your work, you may not alter the logos in any respect—such as by changing the font, the proportions, or the colors. CC's buttons, name, and corporate logo (the “CC” in a circle) are trademarks of Creative Commons. You cannot use them in ways not permitted by our policies unless you first receive express, written permission. This means, for example, that you cannot (without our permission) print your own buttons and t-shirts using CC logos, although you can purchase them in CC’s [https://creativecommons.net/store/ store].


====I love Creative Commons. How can I help?====

Please support CC by making a donation through our [http://creativecommons.net/ support page]. If you give $50 or more, you can get a special-edition t-shirt only available to CC supporters. Donations and shipping information can be handled through PayPal or by credit card. You can also support CC by visiting our [http://creativecommons.net/store store].

CC always welcomes your feedback, which you can provide by emailing [mailto:info@creativecommons.org info@creativecommons.org]. You can also participate in CC's [http://creativecommons.org/contact#discuss email discussion lists] and share feedback and ideas in one of those forums.

If you are a software developer, sysadmin, or have other technical expertise, please [http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/cc-devel join our developer community] and help build the tools that build the commons.

Finally, one of the best ways to support CC is by supporting our causes yourself. Follow our [http://creativecommons.org/weblog/ blog] to find out about current issues where you can help get involved and spread the word, and advocate for free and open licensing in your own communities.



====Why does Creative Commons run an annual fundraising campaign? What is the money used for and where does it go?====

Creative Commons is a global nonprofit organization that enables sharing and reuse of creativity and knowledge through free legal tools, with affiliates all over the world who help ensure our licenses work internationally and raise awareness about our work. Our tools are free, and our reach is wide.

In order to...
*continue developing our licenses and public domain tools to make sure they are legally and technically up-to-date around the world,
*help creators implement these tools on websites through best practices and individual assistance,
*enable CC licensing on major content-sharing platforms,
*enhance CC-licensed resource search and discovery,
*advocate for CC licensing and open policies in [http://creativecommons.org/education education], [http://creativecommons.org/science science], and [http://creativecommons.org/culture culture], and
*myriad other activities we're forgetting to mention, such as all the everyday boring but essential operations that go into running an organization
...we need $ to make it all happen!
For more information, please take a look at our [http://dispatches.creativecommons.org/ Annual Report].

Creative Commons has always relied on the generosity of both individuals and organizations to fund its ongoing operations. It is essential we have the public's support because it is the creators and users of CC material who make our tools relevant in this digital age. They depend on the tools and services CC provides through their reuse and remix of the rich, open resources available on [http://en.wikipedia.org Wikipedia], [http://www.flickr.com Flickr], [http://soundcloud.com/‎ SoundCloud], [http://www.vimeo.com/‎ Vimeo], [http://www.europeana.eu/ ‎Europeana], [http://ocw.mit.edu/ MIT OpenCourseWare], the [http://www.plos.org/‎Public Library of Science], [http://www.aljazeera.com/‎ Al Jazeera], and [http://youtube.com YouTube]—just to name a few. Many of these people donate $10, $25, or $50 to CC, to help keep it up and running so we can continue to provide our tools and services for free, as a nonprofit organization. The more people who [https://creativecommons.net/ donate] to CC, the more independent it will remain.

==General License Information==



====What are Creative Commons licenses?====
[http://creativecommons.org/licenses Creative Commons licenses] provide an easy way to manage the copyright terms that attach automatically to all creative material under [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_is_copyright_and_why_does_it_matter.3F|copyright]]. Our licenses allow that material to be shared and reused under terms that are flexible and legally sound. Creative Commons offers a core suite of six copyright licenses. Because there is no single "Creative Commons license," it is important to identify [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ which of the six licenses] you are applying to your material, which of the six licenses has been applied to material that you intend to use, and in both cases the specific version.

All of our licenses require that users provide attribution (BY) to the creator when the material is used and shared. Some licensors choose the BY license, which requires attribution to the creator as the only condition to reuse of the material. The other five licenses combine BY with one or more of three additional license elements: NonCommercial (NC), which prohibits commercial use of the material; NoDerivatives (ND), which prohibits the sharing of adaptations of the material; and ShareAlike (SA), which requires adaptations of the material be released under the same license.

CC licenses may be applied to any type of work, including [[OER|educational resources]], [[Musician|music]], [[Photographer|photographs]], [[Data|databases]], [[Government_use_of_Creative_Commons|government and public sector information]], and [[Case_Studies|many other types of material]]. The only categories of works for which CC does not recommend its licenses are [[#Can_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_software.3F| computer software]] and hardware. You should also not apply Creative Commons licenses to works that are [[#May_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_a_work_in_the_public_domain|no longer protected by copyright or are otherwise in the public domain]]. Instead, for those works in the worldwide public domain, we recommend that you mark them with the [http://creativecommons.org/about/pdm Public Domain Mark].

====How do CC licenses operate?====

CC licenses are operative only when applied to material in which a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_is_copyright_and_why_does_it_matter.3F|copyright]] exists, and even then only when a particular use would otherwise not be permitted by copyright. Note that the latest version of CC licenses also applies to rights similar to copyright, such as [[#What_are_neighboring_rights.3F|neighboring rights]] and [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]]. [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_use_CC_licenses_to_license_rights_other_than_copyright.3F|Learn more about the scope of the licenses.]] This means that CC license terms and conditions are '''not''' triggered by [[#Do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_fair_use.2C_fair_dealing.2C_or_other_exceptions_to_copyright.3F|uses permitted under any applicable exceptions and limitations to copyright]], nor do license terms and conditions apply to elements of a licensed work that are in the public domain. This also means that CC licenses do not contractually impose restrictions on uses of a work where there is no underlying copyright. This feature (and others) [[Data#What_is_the_difference_between_the_Open_Data_Commons_licenses_and_the_CC_4.0_licenses.3F|distinguish CC licenses from some other open licenses]] like the [http://opendatacommons.org/licenses/odbl/ ODbL] and [http://opendatacommons.org/licenses/by/ ODC-BY], both of which are intended to [http://opendatacommons.org/faq/licenses/#db-versus-contents impose contractual conditions and restrictions] on the reuse of databases in jurisdictions where there is no underlying copyright or sui generis database right.

All CC licenses are non-exclusive: [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_enter_into_separate_or_supplemental_agreements_with_users_of_my_work.3F|creators and owners can enter into additional, different licensing arrangements]] for the same material at any time (often referred to as “dual-licensing” or “multi-licensing”). However, [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_if_I_change_my_mind_about_using_a_CC_license.3F|CC licenses are not revocable]] once granted unless there has been a breach, and even then the license is terminated only for the breaching licensee.

There are also [http://creativecommons.org/videos/ videos and comics] that offer visual descriptions of how CC licenses work.

====Which is the latest version of the licenses offered by Creative Commons?====

In November 2013, Creative Commons published the version 4.0 license suite. These licenses are the most up-to-date licenses offered by CC, and are recommended over all prior versions. You can see how the licenses have been improved over time on the [[License versions|license versions page]]. 4.0 has been drafted to be internationally valid, and will have official translations becoming available after publication.



====Do Creative Commons licenses affect exceptions and limitations to copyright, such as fair dealing and fair use?====

No. By design, CC licenses do not reduce, limit, or restrict any rights under exceptions and limitations to copyright, such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_use fair use] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_dealing fair dealing]. If your use of CC-licensed material would otherwise be allowed because of an applicable exception or limitation, you do not need to rely on the CC license or comply with its terms and conditions. [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_do_CC_licenses_operate.3F|This is a fundamental principle of CC licensing.]]

====Who gives permission to use material offered under Creative Commons licenses?====

Our licenses and legal tools are intended for use by anyone who holds copyright in the material. This is often, but not always, the creator.

Creative Commons offers licenses and tools to the public free of charge and does not require that creators or other rights holders register with CC in order to apply a CC license to a work. This means that [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_Creative_Commons_collect_or_track_materials_licensed_under_a_CC_license.3F|CC does not have special knowledge of who uses the licenses]] and for what purposes, nor does CC have a way to contact creators beyond means generally available to the public. CC has no authority to grant permission on behalf of those persons, nor does CC manage those rights on behalf of others.

If you would like to obtain additional permissions to use the work beyond those granted by the license that has been applied, or if you’re not sure if your intended use is permitted by the license, you should [[#What_happens_if_I_want_to_do_something_with_the_work_that_is_not_permitted_by_the_license.3F | contact the rights holder]].





====Are Creative Commons licenses enforceable in a court of law?====

Creative Commons licenses are drafted to be enforceable around the world, and have been [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Case_Law enforced in court] in various jurisdictions. To CC's knowledge, the licenses have never been held unenforceable or invalid.

CC licenses contain a “severability” clause. This allows a court to eliminate any provision determined to be unenforceable, and enforce the remaining provisions of the license.

====What happens if someone applies a Creative Commons license to my work without my knowledge or authorization?====

CC [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Before_Licensing alerts prospective licensors] they need to have all necessary rights before applying a CC license to a work. If that is not the case and someone has marked your work with a CC license without your authorization, you should contact that person and tell them to remove the license from your work. You may also wish to contact a lawyer. Creative Commons is not a law firm and cannot represent you or give you legal advice, but there are [[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F | lawyers who have identified themselves as interested in representing people in CC-related matters]].



====What are the international (“unported”) Creative Commons licenses, and why does CC offer “ported” licenses?====

One of CC’s goals is ensuring that all of its legal tools work globally, so that anyone anywhere in the world can share their work on globally standard terms. To this end, CC offers a core suite of six international copyright licenses (formerly called the "unported") that are drafted based largely on various [http://www.wipo.int/copyright/en/treaties.htm international treaties governing copyright], taking into account as many jurisdiction-specific legal issues as possible. The latest version (4.0) has been drafted with particular attention to the needs of international enforceability.

For version 3.0 and earlier, Creative Commons has also offered ported versions of its six core licenses for many jurisdictions (which usually correspond to countries, but not always). These ported licenses are based on the international license suite but have been modified to reflect local nuances in the expression of legal terms and conditions, drafting protocols, and language. The ported licenses and the international licenses are all intended to be legally effective everywhere. CC expects that few, if any, ports will be necessary for 4.0.

CC recommends that you take advantage of the improvements in the 4.0 suite explained on the [[License_versions|license versions page]] unless there are [[#Should_I_choose_an_international_license_or_a_ported_license.3F|particular considerations you are aware of]] that would require a ported license.

====Can I include a work licensed with CC BY in a Wikipedia article even though they use a CC BY-SA license?====

Yes. Works licensed under CC BY may be incorporated into works that are licensed under CC BY-SA. For example, you may incorporate a CC BY photograph into a Wikipedia article so long as you keep all copyright notices intact, provide proper attribution, and otherwise comply with the terms of CC BY. [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ Learn more] about the licenses.





====Can governments and intergovernmental organizations ("IGOs") use CC licenses?====

Yes, anyone may use CC licenses for material they own, including governments and IGOs, and these institutions [[Government|frequently use CC licenses on their copyrightable material]]. The reasons for doing so vary, and often include a desire to maximize the impact and utility of works for educational and informational purposes, and to enhance transparency.

Creative Commons licenses have [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ desirable features] that make them the preferred choice over custom licenses. CC licenses are standard and interoperable, which means material published by different creators using the same type of CC license can be translated, modified, compiled, and remixed without legal barriers depending on the [[#Can_I_combine_works_that_use_different_Creative_Commons_licenses_into_my_work?|particular license applied]]. Creative Commons licenses are also machine-readable, allowing CC-licensed works to be easily discovered via search engines such as Google. These features maximize distribution, reuse, and impact of works published by governments and IGOs.

Though we encourage anyone to use version 4.0, which is internationally valid and may be used by individuals as well as organizations, there is an IGO ported version of 3.0 that IGOs may also use. Read more about how [[government]]s and [[IGO]]s use and leverage CC licenses and legal tools, considerations for using our licenses, and [[Intergovernmental_Organizations#FAQ:_CC_Licenses_and_IGOs|how they operate in the IGO context.]]


====What are the official translations of the CC licenses and CC0?====

Official language translations will be available for the 4.0 licenses and CC0. When you license your own work, you may use or link to the text of any available official translation. When you reuse CC-licensed material, you may comply with the license conditions by referring to any available official translation of the license. These translations are linguistic translations of the English version which adhere as closely as possible to the original text. These translations have been done by our affiliates in accordance with the [[Legal Code Translation Policy]] and with the oversight and detailed review of the CC legal team. Note that these are equivalents of the original English; these translations are ''not'' [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F|jurisdiction ported versions]]. You may find a list of all available translations [[Legal_Tools_Translation#Published_translations|here]].

For versions 3.0 and earlier, official translations are not available. Some unofficial translations were made for informational purposes only. (Jurisdiction ported versions of version 3.0 and earlier were generally published in the official language(s) of the appropriate jurisdiction. However, the ported licenses are [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_should_I_know_about_differences_between_the_international_licenses_and_the_ported_licenses.3F|not
equivalent]] to the international licenses, and do not serve as substitutable references for purposes of complying with the terms and conditions of the licenses.)

==For Licensors==
===Choosing a license===

====What things should I think about before I apply a Creative Commons license?====

Applying a Creative Commons license to your material is a serious decision. When you apply a CC license, you give permission to anyone to use your material for the full duration of applicable copyright and similar rights.

CC has identified [[Considerations for licensors and licensees|some things that you should consider]] before you apply a CC license, some of which relate to your ability to apply a CC license at all. Here are some highlights:

*Is the material copyrightable? If not, is it subject to [[#What_are_neighboring_rights.3F|neighboring rights]] or [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]]? CC licenses do not apply to material in the [[#What_is_the_public_domain.3F|public domain]]. Different countries have different standards for what is in the public domain.
*Do you own the material you want to license? If not, are you otherwise authorized to license it under the specific CC license you are interested in using? You should not apply a license to material that you do not own or that you are not authorized to license.
*Are you aware that CC licenses [[#What_if_I_change_my_mind_about_using_a_CC_license.3F|are not revocable]]? You are free to stop offering material under a CC license at any time, but this will not affect the rights associated with any copies of your work already in circulation. (Any particular licensee may lose his or her rights after violating the license, but this does not affect continual use of the work by other licensees.)
*Are you a member of a [[#What_are_collecting_societies.3F|collecting society]]? If you are, you should [[#Can_I_use_a_Creative_Commons_license_if_I_am_a_member_of_a_collecting_society.3F|make sure that you are able to use CC licenses for your materials]].
*Always read the terms and conditions of the specific license you plan to apply. Additionally, there are several [[License versions|terms that may differ in the earlier versions of the license]], both unported and ported. [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Should_I_choose_an_international_license_or_a_ported_license.3F|If you choose to use a pre-4.0 version or any ported version]], clauses such as choice of law may affect your desired choice of license.


====How should I decide which license to choose?====
If you are unsure which license best suits your needs, there are plenty of resources to help rights holders choose the right CC license. CC Australia has developed a [http://creativecommons.org.au/learn-more/fact-sheets/which-creative-commons-licence-is-right-for-me-poster flow chart] that may be useful in helping you settle on the right license for your work. Creative Commons has also compiled [http://creativecommons.org/examples a list of examples] that demonstrate how various licenses fit into licensors' overall strategies. You can also [http://thepowerofopen.org/ read case studies] of others who are using CC licenses. The CC community can also respond to questions, and may have already addressed issues you raise. The CC community [http://creativecommons.org/discuss email discussion lists] and discussion archives may be useful resources.

Finally, you may also want to [[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F|consult with a lawyer]] to obtain advice on the best license for your needs.


====Why should I use the latest version of the Creative Commons licenses?====
The latest version of the Creative Commons licenses is version 4.0. You should always use the latest version of the Creative Commons licenses in order to take advantage of the many improvements described on the [[License versions|license versions page]]. In particular, 4.0 is meant to be better suited to international use, and use in many different contexts, including [[Data|sharing data]].


====What if CC licenses have not been ported to my jurisdiction?====
All CC licenses are intended to work worldwide. Unless you have a specific reason to use a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Should_I_choose_an_international_license_or_a_ported_license.3F|ported license]], we suggest you consider using one of the international licenses. 4.0 will support official translations of the international license for those who wish to use the licenses in another language.

As of version 4.0, CC is discouraging ported versions, and has placed a hold on new porting projects following its publication until sometime in 2014. At that point, CC will reevaluate the necessity of porting in the future.

====Should I choose an international license or a ported license?====
We recommend that you use a version 4.0 international license. This is the most up-to-date version of our licenses, drafted after broad consultation with our global network of affiliates, and it has been written to be internationally valid. There are currently no [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F|ports]] of 4.0, and it is planned that few, if any, will be created.

All of the ported licenses are at version 3.0 or earlier, which means licensors using those licenses do not have the benefit of the [[License_versions|improvements made in the 4.0 license suite]]. But even before considering the improvements in 4.0, there are several reasons why the [[#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F|international licenses]] may be preferable for rights holders, even if the licenses have been ported to their jurisdiction. As an organization, CC itself licenses all of its own content under an international license because, among other reasons, the international licenses are essentially jurisdiction-neutral while remaining effective globally. The neutral nature of the international licenses appeals to many people and organizations, particularly for use in connection with global projects that transcend political borders. Finally, it is important to know that some of the ported licenses contain a choice of law provision, which may be undesirable for your needs.

However, some rights holders still choose a license ported to their local jurisdiction because they believe their needs are not sufficiently met by the international licenses. If the licenses have been ported to your jurisdiction and you feel that the ported licenses better account for some aspect of local legislation, then you may wish to consider a ported license.

You can [[Jurisdiction_Database|use our jurisdiction database]] to compare international licenses and ports on these issues and others, such as whether a ported license contains a choice of law or forum selection clause.

====Why should I use the license chooser? What if I don’t?====
Licensors are not required to use the [http://creativecommons.org/choose/ CC license chooser] or provide any information about themselves or their material when applying a CC license to their material. However, using the license chooser enables licensors to take advantage of the "machine readable" layer of CC licenses. Our [[ccrel|machine-readable]] code enhances the discoverability of your work because that code allows software, search engines, and other tools to recognize when something is licensed under a CC license. The code also facilitates attribution: when users click on the CC button placed on your site, they will be linked directly to HTML code that they can cut and paste to provide attribution.




====How do I apply a Creative Commons license to my material?====
'''For online material''': Select the license that is appropriate for your material [http://creativecommons.org/choose/ from the CC license chooser] and then follow the [[Marking_your_work_with_a_CC_license#How_to_use_the_CC_License_Chooser|instructions]] to include the HTML code. The code will automatically generate a [[#What_do_the_Creative_Commons_buttons_do.3F|license button]] and a statement that your material is licensed under a CC license. If you are only licensing part of a work (for example, if you have created a video under a CC license but are using a song under a different license), be sure to clearly [[Marking/Creators|mark]] which parts are under the CC license and which parts are not. The HTML code will also include metadata, which allows the material to be discovered via [http://search.creativecommons.org/ Creative Commons-enabled search engines].

'''For offline material''': Identify which license you wish to apply to your work and either (a) [[Marking_your_work_with_a_CC_license#Example:_Offline_document|mark your work]] with a statement such as, “This work is licensed under the Creative Commons [insert description] License. To view a copy of the license, visit [insert url]"; or (b) insert the applicable [[#What_do_the_Creative_Commons_buttons_do.3F|license buttons]] with the same statement and URL link.

'''For third-party platforms''': Many [[Marking_your_work_with_a_CC_license#Content-sharing_platforms|media platforms]] like [http://www.flickr.com/ Flickr], [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube], and [https://soundcloud.com/ SoundCloud] have built-in Creative Commons capabilities, letting users mark their material with a CC license through their account settings. The benefit of using this functionality is that it allows other people to find your content when [http://search.creativecommons.org/ searching on those platforms for CC-licensed material]. If the platform where you're uploading your content does not support CC licensing, you can still identify your content as CC-licensed in the text description of your content.

Legally, these three options are the same. The only difference between applying a CC license offline rather than online is that marking a work online with metadata will ensure that users will be able to find it through CC-enabled search engines.

CC offers resources on the [[Marking/Creators|best practices for marking your material]] and on [[Media:Creativecommons-licensing-and-marking-your-content_eng.pdf|how to mark material in different media (.pdf)]].






====Do I need to register with Creative Commons before I obtain a license?====
No. CC offers its licenses, code, and tools to the public free of charge, without obligation. You do not need to register with Creative Commons to apply a CC license to your material; it is legally valid as soon as you apply it to any material you have the legal right to license.

CC does not require or provide any means for creators or other rights holders to register use of a CC license, [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_Creative_Commons_collect_or_track_materials_licensed_under_a_CC_license.3F|nor does CC maintain a database of works]] distributed under Creative Commons licenses. CC also does not require registration of the work with a national copyright agency.



====What do the terms and conditions of a CC license apply to?====
Although CC licenses get attached to tangible works (such as photos and novels), the license terms and conditions apply to the licensor’s [[FAQ#How_do_CC_licenses_operate.3F|copyright]] in the licensed material. The public is granted “permission to exercise” those rights in [[FAQ#Can_I_take_a_CC-licensed_work_and_use_it_in_a_different_format.3F|any medium or format]]. It is the expression that is protected by copyright and covered by the licenses, not any particular medium or format in which the expression is manifested. This means, for example, that a CC license [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_apply_a_CC_license_to_low-resolution_copies_of_a_licensed_work_and_reserve_more_rights_in_high-resolution_copies.3F|applied to a digitized copy]] of a novel grants the public permission under copyright to use a print version of the same novel on the same terms and conditions (though you may have to purchase the print version from a bookstore).

====Can I apply a Creative Commons license to software?====
We recommend against using Creative Commons licenses for software. Instead, we strongly encourage you to use one of the very good software licenses which are already available. We recommend considering [https://www.gnu.org/licenses/license-recommendations.html licenses made available] by the [http://www.fsf.org/ Free Software Foundation] or [http://opensource.org/licenses listed as “open source”] by the [http://www.opensource.org/ Open Source Initiative].

Unlike software-specific licenses, CC licenses do not contain specific terms about the distribution of source code, which is often important to ensuring the free reuse and modifiability of software. Many software licenses also address patent rights, which are important to software but may not be applicable to other copyrightable works. Additionally, our licenses are currently not compatible with the major software licenses, so it would be difficult to integrate CC-licensed work with other free software. Existing software licenses were designed specifically for use with software and offer a similar set of rights to the Creative Commons licenses.

Our licenses are currently [http://www.dwheeler.com/essays/gpl-compatible.html not compatible with the GPL], though the CC0 Public Domain Dedication '''is''' GPL-compatible and acceptable for software. For details, [[CC0_FAQ#May_I_apply_CC0_to_computer_software.3F_If_so.2C_is_there_a_recommended_implementation.3F|see the relevant CC0 FAQ entry]]. We are looking into compatibility of BY-SA with GPL in the future; see the [http://creativecommons.org/compatiblelicenses license compatibility page] for more information.)

While we recommend against using a CC license on software itself, CC licenses may be used for software documentation, as well as for separate artistic elements such as game art or music.



====Can I apply a Creative Commons license to databases?====
Yes. CC licenses [[Data#Can_databases_be_released_under_CC_licenses.3F|can be used on databases]]. In the 4.0 license suite, applicable [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]] are licensed under the same license conditions as copyright. Many [[Data_and_CC_licenses|governments and others use CC licenses]] for data and databases.

For more detailed information about how CC licenses apply to data and databases, visit our detailed [[Data|Data FAQ]].

====Could I use a CC license to share my logo or trademark?====
Creative Commons does not recommend using a CC license on a logo or trademark. While a logo or trademark can be covered by copyright laws in addition to trademark laws, the special purposes of trademarks make CC licenses an unsuitable mechanism for sharing them in most cases. Generally, logos and trademarks are used to identify the origin of a product or service, or to indicate that it meets a specific standard or quality. Allowing anyone to reuse or modify your logo or trademark as a matter of copyright could result in your inability to limit use of your logo or trademark selectively to accomplish those purposes. Applying a CC license to your trademarks and logos could even result in a loss of your trademark rights altogether. See [[#Can_I_place_a_trademark_on_a_work_and_offer_the_work_under_a_CC_license_without_also_licensing_or_otherwise_affecting_rights_in_the_trademark.3F_If_so.2C_how.3F|below]] for more about how to license material that includes a trademark or logo.

There are other ways to share your logos and trademarks widely while preserving your trademark rights. Establishing a trademark policy that grants permissions in advance for limited uses is one common alternative. [http://www.mozilla.org/foundation/trademarks/policy.html Mozilla], [http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Trademark_policy Wikimedia], and [http://creativecommons.org/policies Creative Commons] have each published policies that accomplish the dual objectives of encouraging reuse and preserving trademark rights.



====May I apply a Creative Commons license to a work in the public domain?====
CC licenses should not be applied to works in the worldwide [[#What_is_the_public_domain.3F|public domain]]. All CC licenses are clear that they [[#Do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_exceptions_and_limitations_to_copyright.2C_such_as_fair_dealing_and_fair_use.3F|do not have the effect]] of placing restrictions on material that would otherwise be unrestricted, and you cannot remove a work from the public domain by applying a CC license to it. If you want to dedicate your own work to the public domain before the expiration of applicable copyright or similar rights, use CC's legally robust [http://creativecommons.org/about/cc0|CC0 public domain dedication]. If a work is already in the worldwide public domain, you should mark it with CC's [http://creativecommons.org/about/pdm Public Domain Mark].

Note that, in some cases, a work may be in the public domain under the copyright laws of some jurisdictions but not others. For example, U.S. government works are in the public domain under the copyright law of the United States, but may be protected by copyright laws in other jurisdictions. A CC license applied to such a work would be effective (and the license restrictions enforceable) in jurisdictions where copyright protection exists, but would not be operative if U.S. copyright law is determined to be the applicable law.

Creators may also apply Creative Commons licenses to material they create that are adapted from public domain works, or to remixed material, databases, or collections that include work in the public domain. However, in each of these instances, the license does not affect parts of the work that are unrestricted by copyright or similar rights. We strongly encourage you to [[Marking/Creators/Marking_third_party_content|mark the public domain material]], so that others know they are also free to use this material without legal restriction.


====If I take a photograph of another work that is in the public domain, can I apply a CC license to my photo? ====
That depends. You can apply a CC license to your photograph if your photograph constitutes a work of original authorship, a question that varies by jurisdiction. As a general matter, your photograph must involve some creative choices, such as background setting, lighting, angle, or other mark of creativity. In the United States, an exact photographic copy of a public domain work is not subject to copyright because there is no originality (even if there is effort or “sweat” exerted in its creation).

In practice, if your photograph is sufficiently creative to attract copyright protection, people will likely have to comply with the license conditions if they reproduce your entire photograph in verbatim form, absent some applicable exception or limitation such as fair use. However, [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not.2C_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|they would not have to comply with the license conditions if they reproduce only those parts of the work in the public domain]]. This is because your copyright in the adaptation only extends to the material you contributed, not to the underlying work.

====May I apply a CC license to my work if it incorporates material used under fair use or another exception or limitation to copyright?====
Yes, but it is important to prominently mark any third party material you incorporate into your work so reusers do not think the CC license applies to that material. The CC license only applies to the rights you have in the work. For example, if your CC-licensed slide deck includes a Flickr image you are using pursuant to fair use, make sure to identify that image as not being subject to the CC license. For more information about incorporating work owned by others, see our page about [[Marking/Creators/Marking_third_party_content|marking third party content]]. Read more considerations for licensors [[Before_Licensing#Considerations_for_licensors|here]].

===Rights other than copyright===
====Can I use CC licenses to license rights other than copyright?====
CC licenses are copyright licenses, but the latest version of CC licenses also cover certain other rights similar to copyright, including [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_are_neighboring_rights.3F|performance, broadcast, and sound recording rights]], as well as [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]]. You may apply a 4.0 license to material subject to any of those rights, whether or not the material is also subject to copyright. Note that the scope of prior versions of CC licenses was more limited. You should refer to our [[License Versions|license versions page]] for details.

====How do Creative Commons licenses affect my moral rights, if at all?====
As a general matter, all CC licenses preserve [[#What_are_moral_rights.3F|moral rights]] to the extent they exist (they do not exist everywhere), but allow uses of the work in ways contemplated by the license that might otherwise violate moral rights. If you apply a 4.0 license to your material, you agree to waive or not assert any moral rights you have, to the limited extent necessary to allow the public to exercise the licensed rights. This is designed to minimize the effect of moral rights on licensees’ ability to use the work, and ensure that the license works internationally as intended. The attribution requirement contained in all of our licenses is intended to satisfy the moral right of attribution, but it must be adhered to whether or not the applicable jurisdiction recognizes moral rights.

[[License Versions|Earlier versions]] of the license are also intended to minimize the effect of moral rights on otherwise-permitted uses, but the language in the licenses differs. Additionally, jurisdiction ports of earlier versions of CC licenses often contain versions of the moral rights language designed to account for moral rights legislation in a particular jurisdiction. If you are applying a ported license to your work, you may wish to review the moral rights language in the particular license.

You can also [[Jurisdiction_Database|compare how different jurisdictions have implemented this provision]], or [[License_versions|browse the license versions page]] to compare the treatment of this issue across the different versions of the CC licenses.



====Can I offer material under a CC license that has my trademark on it without also licensing or affecting rights in the trademark?====
Yes, you may offer material under a Creative Commons license that includes a trademark indicating the source of the work without affecting rights in the trademark, because trademark rights are not licensed by the CC licenses. However, applying the CC license may create an implied license to use the trademark in connection with the licensed material, although not in ways that require permission under trademark law. To avoid any uncertainty, Creative Commons recommends that licensors who wish to mark material with trademarks or other branding materials give notice to licensors expressly disclaiming application of the license to those elements. This can be done in the copyright notice, but could also be noted on the website where the work is published.

The following is an example notice:

“''The text of and illustrations in this document are licensed by Red Hat under a Creative Commons Attribution–Share Alike 3.0 Unported license ("CC-BY-SA"). . . . Red Hat, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, the Shadowman logo, JBoss, MetaMatrix, Fedora, the Infinity Logo, and RHCE are trademarks of Red Hat, Inc., registered in the United States and other countries. For guidelines on the permitted uses of the Fedora trademarks, refer to https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Legal:Trademark_guidelines.''”

====How are publicity, privacy, and personality rights affected when I apply a CC license? ====
When you apply the latest version (4.0) of a CC license to your material, you also agree to waive or not assert any [[#What_are_publicity.2C_personality.2C_and_privacy_rights.3F|publicity, privacy, or personality rights]] that you hold in the material you are licensing, to the limited extent necessary for others to exercise the licensed rights. For example, if you have licensed a photograph of yourself, you may not assert your right of privacy to have the photo removed from further distribution. (Under the 3.0 and earlier licenses, this is implied but not explicit.) If you do not wish to license these rights in this way, you should not apply a CC license to the material where this is a concern.

If there are any third parties who may have publicity, privacy, or personality rights that apply, those rights are not affected by your application of a CC license, and a reuser must seek permission for relevant uses. If you are aware of any such third party rights in the material you are licensing, we recommend [[Marking/Creators/Marking_third_party_content|marking the material]] to give notice to reusers.

===Business models===

====Can I apply a CC license to low-resolution copies of a licensed work and reserve more rights in high-resolution copies?====
You may license your copyright or distribute your work under more than one set of terms. For example, you may publish a photograph on your website, but only distribute high-resolution copies to people who have paid for access. This is a practice CC supports. However, if the low-resolution and high-resolution copies are the [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_do_I_know_if_a_low-resolution_photo_and_a_high-resolution_photo_are_the_same_work.3F|same work under applicable copyright law]], permission under a CC license is not limited to a particular copy, and someone who receives a copy in high resolution may use it under the terms of the CC license applied to the low-resolution copy.

Note that, although CC [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_enter_into_separate_or_supplemental_agreements_with_users_of_my_work.3F|strongly discourages the practice]], CC cannot prevent licensors from attempting to impose restrictions through separate agreements on uses the license otherwise would allow. In that case, licensees may be [[FAQ#What_if_I_have_received_CC-licensed_material_with_additional_restrictions.3F|contractually restricted]] from using the high-resolution copy, for example, even if the licensor has placed a CC license on the low-resolution copy.

====Can I use a Creative Commons license if I am a member of a collecting society?====

Creators and other rights holders may wish to check with their [[#What_are_collecting_societies.3F|collecting society]] before applying a CC license to their material. Many rights holders who are members of a collecting society can waive the right to collect royalties for uses allowed under the license, but only to the extent their societies allow.

Collecting societies in several countries including Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Norway, Spain, Taiwan, and the Netherlands take an assignment of rights from creators in present and future works and manage them, so that the societies effectively become the owner of these rights. (In France it is called a “mandate” of rights but has similar practical effect.) Creators in these jurisdictions who belong to collecting societies may not be able to license their material under CC licenses because the collecting societies own the necessary rights, not the creators. CC is [[Collecting_Society_Projects|working with several collecting societies]] and running pilot programs that allow creators to use CC licenses in some circumstances.

If you are already a member of a collecting society and want to use CC licenses, you are welcome to encourage your collecting society to give you the option of Creative Commons licensing.

====Can I still make money from a work I make available under a Creative Commons license?====
Yes. One of our goals is to encourage creators and rights holders to experiment with new ways to promote and market their work. There are several possible ways of doing this.

CC's [[#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F|NonCommercial (NC)]] licenses allow rights holders to maximize distribution while maintaining control of the commercialization of their works. If you want to reserve the right to commercialize your work, you may do this by choosing a license with the NC condition. If someone else wants to use your work commercially and you have applied an NC license to your work, they must first get your permission. As the rights holder, you may still sell your own work commercially.

You may also use funding models that do not depend on using an NC license. For example, many artists and creators use crowdfunding to fund their work before releasing it under a less restrictive license. Others use a “freemium” model where the basic content is free, but extras such as a physical printed version or special access to a members-only website are for paying customers only.

For more information and ideas, [http://thepowerofopen.org/ The Power of Open] presents case studies of artists, businesspeople, and organizations who use CC.

===Alterations and additions to the license===

====Can I insist on the exact placement of the attribution credit?====
No. CC licenses allow for flexibility in the way credit is provided depending on the medium, means, and context in which a licensee is redistributing licensed material. For example, providing attribution to the creator when using licensed material in a blog post may be different than doing so in a video remix. This flexibility facilitates compliance by licensees and reduces uncertainty about different types of reuse—minimizing the risk that overly onerous and inflexible attribution requirements are simply disregarded.


====Can I change the license terms or conditions?====
Yes—but if you change the terms and conditions of any Creative Commons license, you ''must no longer call, label, or describe the license as a “Creative Commons” or “CC” license'', nor can you use the [http://creativecommons.org/policies Creative Commons logos, buttons, or other trademarks] in connection with the modified license or your materials. Keep in mind that altering terms and conditions is distinct from [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_waive_license_terms_or_conditions.3F|waiving existing conditions or granting additional permissions]] than those in the licenses. Licensors may always do so, and many choose to do so using the [[CCPlus|CC+ protocol]] to readily signal the waiver or additional permission on the CC license deed.

CC does not assert copyright in the text of its licenses, so you are permitted to modify the text as long as you do not use the CC marks to describe it. However, we do not recommend this. We also advise against [[Modifying_the_CC_licenses|modifying our licenses]] through indirect means, such as in your terms of service. A modified license very likely will not be compatible with the same CC license (unmodified) applied to other material. This would prevent licensees from using, combining, or remixing content under your customized license with other content under the same or compatible CC licenses.

Modifying licenses creates friction that confuses users and undermines the key benefits of public, standardized licenses. Central to our licenses is the grant of a standard set of permissions in advance, without requiring users to ask for permission or seek clarification before using the work. This encourages sharing and facilitates reuse, since everyone knows what to expect and the burden of negotiating permissions on a case by case basis is eliminated.

====Can I waive license terms or conditions?====
Yes. You may always choose to waive some license terms or conditions. Material licensed under a CC license but with additional permissions granted or conditions waived may be compatibly licensed with other material under the same license. Our [[CCPlus |CC+ protocol]] provides a mechanism for facilitating that grant or waiver.


====Can I enter into separate or supplemental agreements with users of my work?====
Yes. CC licenses are nonexclusive. Licensors always have the option of entering into separate arrangements for the sharing of their material in addition to applying a CC license. However, those different arrangements are not “CC” or “Creative Commons” licenses.

'''Separate agreements:''' You may offer the licensed material under other licenses in addition to the CC license (a practice commonly referred to as "dual licensing"). For example, you may wish to license a video game soundtrack under both a CC license and the GPL, so that it may be used under either set of terms. A reuser may then choose which set of terms to comply with. Or, for example, you may offer your material to the public under a NonCommercial license, but offer commercial permissions to fee-paying customers.

'''Supplemental agreements:''' Problems arise when licensors design those terms or arrangements to serve not as separate, alternative licensing arrangements but as supplemental terms [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_change_the_license_terms_or_conditions.3F|having the effect of changing the standard terms within the CC license]]. While you may offer separate terms and conditions to other parties, you should not do so in such a way that would neutralize terms of the CC license.

Except in the limited situation where [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_waive_license_terms_or_conditions.3F|more permissions are being granted or license conditions are waived]], if the additional arrangement modifies or conflicts with the CC license terms, then the resulting licensing arrangement is no longer a CC licensing arrangement. To avoid confusing those who may mistakenly believe the work is licensed under standard CC terms, we must insist that in these instances licensors not use our [http://creativecommons.org/policies trademarks, names, and logos] in connection with their custom licensing arrangement.

It should be noted that any agreements you make with other parties only have an effect on the other parties to that agreement, and do not apply to anyone else receiving the licensed material. For example, if there are terms of use that apply to visitors to your website on which you host CC-licensed material, your terms of use may apply to visitors to that website, but not to anyone who receives copies of the CC-licensed material elsewhere. Even for the visitors to your website, any separate terms and conditions do not become part of the license—they remain a separate contractual agreement, and violation of this agreement does not constitute copyright infringement.

===After licensing===


====What happens if I offer my material under a Creative Commons license and someone misuses them?====
A CC license [[#How_can_I_lose_my_rights_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F_If_that_happens.2C_how_do_I_get_them_back.3F|terminates automatically]] when its conditions are violated. For example, if a reuser of CC-licensed material does not provide the attribution required when sharing the work, then the user no longer has the right to continue using the material and may be liable for copyright infringement. The license is terminated for the user who violated the license. However, all other users still have a valid license, so long as they are in compliance.

Under the 4.0 licenses, a licensee automatically gets these rights back if she fixes the violation within 30 days of discovering it.

If you apply a Creative Commons license and a user violates the license conditions, you may opt to contact the person directly to ask them to rectify the situation or consult a lawyer to act on your behalf. Creative Commons is not a law firm and cannot represent you or give you legal advice, but there are [[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F|lawyers who have identified themselves as interested in representing people in CC-related matters]].


====What can I do if I offer my material under a Creative Commons license and I do not like the way someone uses it?====
As long as users abide by license terms and conditions, licensors cannot control how the material is used. However, CC licenses do provide several mechanisms that allow licensors to choose not to be associated with their material or to uses of their material with which they disagree.

First, all CC licenses [[#Do_I_need_to_be_aware_of_anything_else_when_providing_attribution.3F|prohibit using the attribution requirement to suggest that the licensor endorses or supports a particular use]]. Second, licensors may waive the attribution requirement, choosing not to be identified as the licensor, if they wish. Third, if the licensor does not like how the material has been modified or used, CC licenses require that the licensee [[License_Versions#Licensors_may_request_removal_of_attribution|remove the attribution information upon request]]. (In 3.0 and earlier, this is only a requirement for adaptations and collections; in 4.0, this also applies to the unmodified work.) Finally, anyone modifying licensed material must [[License_Versions#Modifications_and_adaptations_must_be_indicated|indicate that the original has been modified]]. This ensures that changes made to the original material--whether or not the licensor approves of them--are not attributed back to the licensor.



====What do I do if someone tries to place effective technological measures (such as DRM) on my CC-licensed material?====
The use of [[#Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_use_effective_technological_measures_.28such_as_DRM.29_when_I_share_CC-licensed_material.3F|any effective technical protection measures (such as digital rights management or "DRM")]] by licensees to prevent others from exercising the licensed rights is prohibited.

Not all kinds of encryption or [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_share_CC-licensed_material_on_password-protected_sites.3F|access limitations]] are prohibited by the licenses. For example, sending content via email and encrypting it with the recipient's public key does not restrict use of the work by the recipient. Likewise, limiting recipients to a particular set of users (for example, by requiring a username and password to enter a site) does not restrict further use of the content by the recipients. In these examples, these things do not prevent the recipient from exercising all of the rights granted by the license, including the right to redistribute it further.

If someone is applying effective technological measures to your CC-licensed material that do restrict exercise of the licensed rights (such as applying DRM that restricts copying), this is a violation of the license terms unless you have chosen to grant this permission separately.

====When I release my work under a CC license in one format (e.g., .pdf), can I restrict licensees from changing it to or using it in other formats?====
No. CC licenses grant permission to use the licensed material in any media or format regardless of the format in which it has been made available. This is true even if you have applied a NoDerivatives license to your work. Once a CC license is applied to a work in one format or medium, a licensee may use the same work in any other format or medium without violating the licensor’s copyright.


====What if I change my mind about using a CC license?====

CC licenses are not revocable. Once something has been published under a CC license, licensees may continue using it according to the license terms for the duration of applicable copyright and similar rights. As a licensor, you may stop distributing under the CC license at any time, but anyone who has access to a copy of the material may continue to redistribute it under the CC license terms. While you cannot revoke the license, CC licenses do provide a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_can_I_do_if_I_offer_my_work_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_I_do_not_like_the_way_someone_uses_my_work.3F|mechanism]] for licensors to ask that others using their material remove the attribution information. You should [[Considerations for licensors and licensees|think carefully before choosing a Creative Commons license]].

==For Licensees==
===Before using CC-licensed material===


====What should I think about before using material offered under a Creative Commons license?====
CC offers [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ six core licenses], each of which grants a different set of permissions. Before you use CC-licensed material, [http://creativecommons.org/about/licenses/ you should review the terms of the particular license] to be sure your anticipated use is permitted. If you wish to use the work in a manner that is not permitted by the license, you should contact the rights holder (often the creator) to get permission first, or look for an alternative work that is licensed in a way that permits your anticipated use. Note that if you use material in a way that is not permitted by the applicable license and your use is not otherwise permitted by an applicable copyright exception or limitation, the license is [[#How_can_I_lose_my_rights_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F_If_that_happens.2C_how_do_I_get_them_back.3F|automatically terminated]] and you may be liable for copyright infringement, even if you are eligible to have your rights reinstated later.

Before using material offered under a Creative Commons license, you should know that [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_a_Creative_Commons_license_give_me_all_the_rights_I_need_to_use_the_work.3F|CC licenses only grant permissions needed under copyright and similar rights]], and there may be additional rights you need to use it as intended. You should also understand that licensors do not offer warranties or guarantees about the material they are licensing unless expressly indicated otherwise. All materials are licensed "AS IS" and a disclaimer of warranties applies unless expressly provided otherwise. If you want to ask for a warranty or guarantee about rights to use the material, you should talk with the licensor before using it.


====Does a Creative Commons license give me all the rights I need to use the work?====
It depends. CC licenses do not license rights other than copyright and [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_use_CC_licenses_to_license_rights_other_than_copyright.3F|similar rights]] (which include [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]] in version 4.0). For example, they do not license trademark or patent rights, or the [[#What_are_publicity.2C_personality.2C_and_privacy_rights.3F|publicity, personality, and privacy rights]] of third parties. However, licensors agree to waive or not assert any [[#What_are_moral_rights.3F|moral rights]], publicity rights, personality rights, or privacy rights they themselves hold, to the limited extent necessary to allow exercise of the licensed rights. Any rights outside of the scope of the license may require clearance (i.e., permission) in order to use the work as you would like.

Additionally, creative works sometimes incorporate works owned by others (known as "third party content"), often used pursuant to a CC license or under an exception or limitation to copyright such as fair use in the U.S. You should make sure you have permission to use any third party content contained in the work you want to use, or that your use is otherwise allowed under the laws of your jurisdiction, particularly in cases such as fair use where your right to use the content depends on the particular context in which you plan to use it.

All CC licenses contain a disclaimer of warranties, meaning that the licensor is not guaranteeing anything about the work, including whether she owns the copyright, has received permission to include third-party content within her work, or secured other rights such as through the use of model releases if a person's image is used in the work. You [[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F|may wish to obtain legal advice]] before using CC-licensed material if you are not sure whether you have all the rights you need.

====What if there are sui generis database rights that apply to my use of a CC-licensed database?====
In the somewhat limited circumstances where sui generis database rights apply to your use, special conditions apply and there are more specific considerations you should be aware of. Under 4.0, sui generis database rights are licensed alongside copyright, but the treatment in earlier versions of the license varies. A fuller explanation of these variations and related considerations is available in the [[Data|Data FAQ]].

====Where can I find material offered under a CC license?====
If you are looking for material offered under a Creative Commons license, [http://search.creativecommons.org/ CC Search] is a good starting point. There is also a [[Content_Directories|directory]] of organizations and individuals who use CC licenses. Some media sites, such as [http://www.flickr.com/ Flickr], have search filters for material licensed using CC's licenses.

Be sure to confirm that the material you want to use is actually under a CC license, as search results may sometimes be misleading.


====Are Creative Commons works really free to use?====
Yes. While many if not most CC-licensed works are available at no cost, some licensors charge for initial access to CC-licensed works—for example, by publishing CC-licensed content only to subscribers, or by charging for downloads. However, even if you have paid an access charge, once you have a copy of CC-licensed material, you may make any further uses permitted by the license without paying licensing fees.

(If you wish to make uses that are not permitted by the license—for example, making a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F|commercial use]] of an NC-licensed photo—the licensor may charge for those additional rights.)

====What should I know about differences between the international licenses and the ported licenses?====
As a licensee, you should always read and understand the relevant license's legal code before using CC-licensed material, particularly if you are using material that is licensed using a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F|ported license]] with which you are unfamiliar. Our porting process involved adapting the international licenses to the legal framework of different jurisdictions, and in that process slight adjustments may have been made that you should make yourself aware of in advance of using the material. You can find more information about the ported licenses in the [[Jurisdiction Database]].

There are currently no ported versions of 4.0, and we expect there will be few, if any, in the future. All official translations of the 4.0 international licenses are equivalent: you may substitute one for another depending on your preferred language.

However, the ported versions of 3.0 and earlier sometimes contain small differences from the international license depending on the ways in which they have been adapted to their jurisdictions. For example, a handful of the ported licenses contain provisions specifying which laws will apply in the event the licensor chooses to enforce the license, and a few of the ported licenses contain forum selection clauses.

===General license compliance===


====What happens if I want to use the material in a way that is not permitted by the license?====
Contact the rights holders to ask for permission. Otherwise, [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not.2C_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|unless an exception or limitation to copyright applies]], your use of the material may violate the Creative Commons license. If you violate the terms of the license, your rights to use the material will be [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_can_I_lose_my_rights_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F_If_that_happens.2C_how_do_I_get_them_back.3F|automatically terminated]], and you may be liable for copyright infringement.

====Do I always have to comply with the license terms? If not, what are the exceptions?====
You need to comply with the license terms if what you are doing would otherwise require permission from the rights holder. If your use would not require permission from the rights holder because it falls under an exception or limitation, such as fair use, or because the material has come into the public domain, the license does not apply, and you do not need to comply with its terms and conditions. Additionally, if you are using an excerpt small enough to be uncopyrightable, the license does not apply to your use, and you do not need to comply with its terms.

However, if you are using excerpts of CC-licensed material which individually are minimal and do not require license compliance, but together make up a significant copyrightable chunk, you must comply with the license terms. For example, if you quote many individual lines from a poem across several sections of a blog post, and your use is not a fair use, you must comply with the license even though no individual line would have been a substantial enough portion of the work to require this.

===Attribution===


====How do I properly attribute material offered under a Creative Commons license?====
All CC licenses require users to attribute the creator of licensed material, unless the creator has [[#Can_I_waive_license_terms_or_conditions.3F|waived that requirement]], not supplied a name, or [[#What_can_I_do_if_I_offer_my_material_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_I_do_not_like_the_way_someone_uses_it.3F|asked that her name be removed]]. Additionally, you must retain a copyright notice, a link to the license (or to the deed), a license notice, a notice about the disclaimer of warranties, and a URI if reasonable. For versions prior to 4.0, you must also provide the title of the work. (Though it is not a requirement in 4.0, it is still recommended if one is supplied.)

You must also indicate if you have [[License_Versions#Modifications_and_adaptations_must_be_marked_as_such|modified the work]]—for example, if you have taken an excerpt, or cropped a photo. (For versions prior to 4.0, this is only required if you have created an adaptation by contributing your own creative material, but it is recommended even when not required.) It is not necessary to note trivial alterations, such as correcting a typo or changing a font size. Finally, you must retain an indication of previous modifications to the work.

CC licenses have a flexible attribution requirement, so there is not necessarily one correct way to provide attribution. The proper method for giving credit will depend on the medium and means you are using, and may be implemented in any reasonable manner. Additionally, you may satisfy the attribution requirement by providing a link to a place where the attribution information may be found.

While the attribution requirements in the license are the minimum requirement, we always recommend that you [[Marking/Users|follow the best practices]] for the kind of use you are making. For example, if you are using scientific data marked with CC0, you are not required to give attribution at all, but we recommend that you give the same credit you would give to any other source—not because the license requires it, but because that is the standard for letting others know the source of the data.

The CC website offers some [[Marking/Users|best practices]] to help you attribute properly, and the [http://www.creativecommons.org.au/ CC Australia] team has developed a [http://creativecommons.org.au/content/attributingccmaterials.pdf helpful guide to attributing CC-licensed material (.pdf)] in different formats. Note that the attribution and marking requirements vary slightly among license versions. See [[License_Versions#Detailed_attribution_comparison_chart|here for a chart comparing the specific requirements]].


====Do I need to be aware of anything else when providing attribution?====
Yes. You need to be careful not to imply any sponsorship, endorsement, or connection with the licensor or attribution party without their permission. Wrongfully implying that a creator, publisher, or anyone else endorses you or your use of a work may be unlawful. Creative Commons makes the obligation not to imply endorsement explicit in its licenses. In addition, if the licensor of a work [[#What_can_I_do_if_I_offer_my_material_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_I_do_not_like_the_way_someone_uses_it.3F|requests that you remove the identifying credit]], you must do so to the extent practical.

Additionally, when you are using a work that is an adaptation of one or more pre-existing works, you may need to [[Marking/Creators/Marking_third_party_content|give credit to the creator(s) of the pre-existing work(s)]], in addition to giving credit to the creator of the adaptation.

====Do I always have to attribute the creator of the licensed material?====
You must attribute the creator when you provide material to the public by any means that is restricted by copyright or similar rights. If you are using the material personally but are not making it or any adaptations of it available to others, you do not have to attribute the licensor. Similarly, if you are only distributing the material or adaptations of it within your company or organization, you do not have to comply with the attribution requirement. Learn [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not.2C_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|more]] about when compliance with the license is not required.

===Using licensed material===


====Does my use violate the NonCommercial clause of the licenses?====
CC's NonCommercial (NC) licenses prohibit uses that are "primarily intended for or directed toward commercial advantage or monetary compensation." This is intended to capture the intention of the NC-using community without placing detailed restrictions that are either too broad or too narrow. Please note that CC's definition does not turn on the type of user: if you are a nonprofit or charitable organization, your use of an NC-licensed work could still run afoul of the NC restriction, and if you are a for-profit entity, your use of an NC-licensed work does not necessarily mean you have violated the term. Whether a use is commercial will depend on the specifics of the situation and the intentions of the user.

In CC's experience, it is usually relatively easy to determine whether a use is permitted, and known conflicts are relatively few considering the popularity of the NC licenses. However, there will always be uses that are challenging to categorize as commercial or noncommercial. CC cannot advise you on what is and is not commercial use. If you are unsure, you should either contact the rights holder for clarification, or search for works that permit commercial uses.

CC has a [[NonCommercial interpretation|brief guide]] to interpretation of the NC license that goes into more detail about the meaning of the NC license and some key points to pay attention to. Additionally, in 2008, [[Defining_Noncommercial|Creative Commons published results]] from a survey on meanings of commercial and noncommercial use generally. Note that the results of the study are not intended to serve as CC's official interpretation of what is and is not commercial use under our licenses, and the results should not be relied upon as such.

====Can I take a CC-licensed work and use it in a different format?====
Yes. When any of the six CC licenses is applied to material, licensees are granted permission to use the material as the license allows, whatever the media or format chosen by the user when it is used or distributed further. This is true even in our NoDerivatives licenses. This is one of a very few default rules established in our licenses, to harmonize what may be different outcomes depending on where CC-licensed material is reused and what jurisdiction’s copyright law applies.

This means, for example, that even if a creator distributes a work in digital format, you have permission to print and share a hard copy of the same work.


====How do I know if a low-resolution photo and a high-resolution photo are the same work?====
As with most copyright questions, it will depend on applicable law. Generally, to be different works under copyright law, there must be expressive or original choices made that make one work a separate and distinct work from another. The determination depends on the standards for copyright in the relevant jurisdiction.

Under U.S. copyright law, for example, mechanical reproduction of a work into a different format [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridgeman_Art_Library_v._Corel_Corp. is unlikely to create a separate, new work]. Consequently, digitally enhancing or changing the format of a work ''absent some originality'', such as expressive choices made in the enhancement or encoding, will not likely create a separate work for copyright purposes. The creative bar is low, but it is not non-existent. Accordingly, in some jurisdictions releasing a photograph under a CC license will give the public permission to reuse the photograph in a different resolution.

====Can I use effective technological measures (such as DRM) when I share CC-licensed material?====
No. When you receive material under a Creative Commons license, you may not place additional terms and conditions on the reuse of the work. This includes using effective technological measures (ETMs) that would restrict a licensee’s ability to exercise the licensed rights.

A technological measure is considered an ETM if circumventing it carries penalties under laws fulfilling obligations under Article 11 of the WIPO Copyright Treaty adopted on December 20, 1996, or similar international agreements. Generally, this means that the anti-circumvention laws of various jurisdictions would cover attempts to break it.

For example, if you remix a CC-licensed song, and you wish to share it on a music site that places digital copy-restriction on all uploaded files, you may not do this without express permission from the licensor. However, if you upload that same file to your own site or any other site that does not apply DRM to the file, and a listener chooses to stream it through an app that applies DRM, you have not violated the license.

Note that merely converting material into a different format that is difficult to access or is only available for certain platforms does not violate the restriction; you may do this without violating the license terms.

====Can I share CC-licensed material on password-protected sites?====
Yes. This is not considered to be a prohibited measure, so long as the protection is merely limiting who may access the content, and does not restrict the authorized recipients from exercising the licensed rights. For example, you may post material under any CC license on a site restricted to members of a certain school, or to paying customers, but [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_use_effective_technological_measures_.28such_as_DRM.29_when_I_share_CC-licensed_material.3F|you may not place effective technological measures (including DRM) on the files]] that prevents them from sharing the material elsewhere.

(Note that charging for access may not be permitted with NC-licensed material; however, it is not disallowed by the restriction on ETMs.)

====Can I share CC-licensed material on file-sharing networks?====
Yes. All CC licenses allow redistribution of the unmodified material by any means, including distribution via file-sharing networks. Note that file-trading is expressly considered to be noncommercial for purposes of compliance with the NC licenses. Barter of NC-licensed material for other items of value is not permitted.

===Additional restrictions on licensed material===

====What if I received CC-licensed material encumbered with effective technological measures (such as DRM)?====
If you have received material under a CC license that is encumbered with effective technological measures (such as digital rights management or DRM), you may or may not be permitted to break it, depending on the circumstances. By releasing material under a CC license, the licensor agrees not to assert any rights she may have to prevent the circumvention of effective technological measures. (Under the 3.0 and earlier licenses, this is implied but not explicit.) However, if she has uploaded it to a site or other distribution channel that itself applies such measures, that site may have the right to prevent you from breaking them, even though the licensor herself cannot do so.

Note that anti-circumvention laws can impose criminal liability in some jurisdictions.

====What if I have received CC-licensed material with additional restrictions?====
It is possible that CC-licensed material will appear on platforms that impose terms in addition to the copyright license (though [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_enter_into_separate_or_supplemental_agreements_with_users_of_my_work.3F|Creative Commons strongly discourages restrictions that interfere with exercise of the licensed rights]]). These additional terms do not form part of the license for the work. For example, if you download CC-licensed material from a site that does not permit downloading, you may be breaking the terms of use of the site, but you are not infringing the CC license. See our guide to [[Modifying the CC licenses]] for more guidance and information.

===Combining and adapting CC material===

====When is my use considered an adaptation?====
Whether a modification of licensed material is considered an [[#What_is_an_adaptation.3F|adaptation]] for the purpose of CC licenses depends primarily on the applicable copyright law. Copyright law reserves to an original creator the right to create adaptations of the original work. CC licenses that allow for adaptations to be shared—all except BY-ND and BY-NC-ND—grant permission to others to create and redistribute adaptations when doing so would otherwise constitute a violation of applicable copyright law. Generally, a modification rises to the level of an adaptation under copyright law when the modified work is based on the prior work but manifests sufficient new creativity to be copyrightable, such as a translation of a novel from one language to another, or the creation of a screenplay based on a novel.

Under CC licenses, synching music in timed relation with a moving image is always considered an adaptation, whether or not it would be considered so under applicable law. Also, under version 4.0, certain uses of databases restricted by sui generis database rights also constitute adaptations (called "Adapted Material" in the 4.0 licenses), whether or not they would be considered adaptations under copyright law. For more details about adaptations in the database context, see the [[Data|Data FAQ]].

Note that all CC licenses allow the user to exercise the rights permitted under the license [[#Can_I_take_a_CC-licensed_work_and_use_it_in_a_different_format.3F|in any format or medium]]. Those changes are not considered adaptations even if applicable law would suggest otherwise. For example, you may redistribute a book that uses the CC [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ BY-NC-ND] license in print form when it was originally distributed online, even if you have had to make formatting changes to do so, as long as you do so in compliance with the other terms of the license.

'''''Note on terminology: throughout these FAQs, we use the term "remix" interchangeably with “adapt.” Both are designed to mean doing something that constitutes an [[FAQ#What_is_an_adaptation.3F|adaptation under copyright law]].'''''




====Can I combine material under different Creative Commons licenses in my work?====
It depends. The first question to ask is whether doing so constitutes an [[FAQ#When_is_my_use_considered_an_adaptation.3F|adaptation.]] If the combination does '''''not''''' create an adaptation, then you may combine any CC-licensed content so long as you provide attribution and comply with the NonCommercial restriction if it applies. If you want to combine material in a way that results in the creation of an adaptation (i.e. a “remix”), then you must pay attention to the particular license that applies to the content you want to combine.

The NoDerivatives licenses do not permit remixing except for private use (the pre-4.0 licenses do not permit remixing at all, except as allowed by exceptions and limitations to copyright). All the other CC licenses allow remixes, but may impose limitations or conditions on how the remix may be used. For example, if you create a remix with material licensed under a ShareAlike license, you need to make sure that all of the material contributed to the remix is licensed under the same license or [http://creativecommons.org/compatiblelicenses one that CC has named as compatible], and you must [[Marking/Users|properly credit all of the sources]] with the [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_do_I_properly_attribute_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F|required attribution]] and license information. Similarly, if you want to use a remix for [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F|commercial purposes]], you cannot incorporate material released under one of the NonCommercial licenses.

The chart below shows which CC-licensed material can be remixed. To use the chart, find a license on the left column and on the top right row. If there is a check mark in the box where that row and column intersect, then the works can be remixed. If there is an “X” in the box, then the works may not be remixed unless an exception or limitation applies. See [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#If_I_derive_or_adapt_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.2C_which_CC_license.28s.29_can_I_use.3F|below for details on how remixes may be licensed]].

[[File:CC_License_Compatibility_Chart.png|thumb|center|800px|alt=Creative Commons License Compatibility Chart|]]




====If I derive or adapt material offered under a Creative Commons license, which CC license(s) can I use?====
If you make [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#When_is_my_use_considered_an_adaptation.3F|adaptations]] of material under a CC license (i.e. "remix"), the original CC license always applies to the material you are adapting even once adapted. The license you may choose for your own contribution (called your "adapter's license") depends on which license applies to the original material. Recipients of the adaptation must comply with both the CC license on the original and your adapter’s license.

:=====BY and BY-NC material=====
When remixing BY or BY-NC material, it is generally recommended that your adapter's license include at least the same license elements as the license applied to the original material. This eases reuse for downstream users because they are able to satisfy both licenses by complying with the adapter's license. For example, if you adapt material licensed under BY-NC, your adapter's license should also contain the NC restriction. See the chart below for more details.

:=====BY-SA and BY-NC-SA material=====
In general, when remixing ShareAlike content, your adapter's license must be the same license as the license on the material you are adapting. All licenses after version 1.0 also allow you to license your contributions under a later version of the same license, and some also allow ported licenses. (See the [[License_Versions#Compatibility_mechanism_in_BY-SA_licenses|license versions page]] for details.) If you wish to adapt material under BY-SA or BY-NC-SA and release your contributions under a non-CC license, you should visit the [http://creativecommons.org/compatiblelicenses Compatibility page] to see which options are allowed. Currently, no non-CC licenses are listed as compatible.

:=====BY-ND and BY-NC-ND material=====
The BY-ND and BY-NC-ND licenses do not permit distribution of adaptations (also known as remixes or derivative works), and prohibits the creation of adaptations under the pre-4.0 versions of those licenses. Since you may not share remixes of these materials at all, there is no compatibility with other licenses. (Note that the ND licenses do allow you to reproduce the material in unmodified form together with other material in a collection, as indicated in the next FAQ.)

:=====Adapter's license chart=====
The chart below details the CC license(s) you may use as your adapter's license. When creating an adaptation of material under the license identified in the lefthand column, you may license your contributions to the adaptation under one of the licenses indicated on the top row if the corresponding box is green. CC does not recommend using a license if the corresponding box is yellow, although doing so is technically permitted by the terms of the license. If you do, you should take additional care to mark the adaptation as involving multiple copyrights under different terms so that downstream users are aware of their obligations to comply with the licenses from all rights holders. Dark gray boxes indicate those licenses that you may not use as your adapter's license.

{| style="width:600px;" border="1" cellpadding="10" class="wiki_table"
|-
| colspan="2" rowspan="2" | '''Adapter's license chart'''
| colspan="7" align="center" | Adapter's license
|-
| BY || BY-NC || BY-NC-ND || BY-NC-SA || BY-ND || BY-SA || PD
|-
| rowspan="7" style="width:12ex;" | Status of original work
| PD || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:yellow;" |  
|-
| BY-NC || style="background-color:yellow;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:yellow;" |   || style="background-color:yellow;" |   || style="background-color:yellow;" |  
|-
| BY-NC-ND || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |  
|-
| BY-NC-SA || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |  
|-
| BY-ND || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |  
|-
| BY-SA || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |  
|-
|}
{| style="width:600px;" border="1" cellpadding="10"
|-
| Abbreviation Key
*BY = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Attribution only]
*BY-ND = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Attribution-NoDerivatives]
*BY-NC-ND = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Attribution-NonCommercial- NoDerivatives]
*BY-NC = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Attribution-NonCommercial]
*BY-NC-SA = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ Attribution-NonCommercial- ShareAlike]
*BY-SA = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ Attribution-ShareAlike]
*PD = Dedicated to or marked as being in the public domain via one of our [http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain public domain tools], or other public domain material; adaptations of materials in the public domain may be built upon and licensed by the creator under any license terms desired.
|-
|}



====If I create a collection that includes a work offered under a CC license, which license(s) may I choose for the collection?====
All Creative Commons licenses (including the version 4.0 licenses) allow licensed material to be included in collections such as anthologies, encyclopedias, and broadcasts. You may choose a license for the collection, however this does not change the license applicable to the original material.

When you include CC-licensed content in a collection, you still must adhere to the license conditions governing your use of the material incorporated. For example, material under any of the Creative Commons NonCommercial licenses cannot be used [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F|commercially]]. The table below indicates what type of CC-licensed works you may incorporate into collections licensed for commercial and noncommercial uses.

{| style="width:400px;" border="1" cellpadding="10" class="wiki_table"
|-
| Original Work ||Commercial Collection (BY, BY-SA, BY-ND) || NonCommercial Collection (BY-NC, BY-NC-SA, BY-NC-ND)
|-
| PD || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-NC ||   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-NC-ND ||   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-NC-SA ||   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-ND || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-SA || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
|}

===License termination===
==== When do Creative Commons licenses expire? ====
Creative Commons licenses expire when the underlying copyright and similar rights expire.

Note that the relevant rights may expire at different times. For example, you may have a CC-licensed song where the rights in the musical arrangement expire before the rights in the lyrics. In this case, when the copyright in the music expires, you may use it [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not.2C_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|without being required to comply with the conditions of the CC license]]; however, you must still comply with the license if you use the lyrics.

====What happens if the author decides to revoke the CC license to material I am using?====
The CC licenses are irrevocable. This means that once you receive material under a CC license, you will always have the right to use it under those license terms, even if the licensor changes his or her mind and stops distributing under the CC license terms. Of course, you may choose to respect the licensor’s wishes and stop using the work.

====How can I lose my rights under a Creative Commons license? If that happens, how do I get them back?====
All of the CC licenses terminate if you fail to follow the license conditions. If this happens, you no longer have a license to use the material.

In the 4.0 licenses, your rights under the license are automatically reinstated if you correct this failure within 30 days of discovering the violation (either on your own or because the licensor or someone else has told you). Under the 3.0 and earlier licenses, there is no automatic reinstatement.

If you have lost your rights under a CC license and are not entitled to automatic reinstatement, you may regain your rights under the license if the licensor expressly grants you permission. You cannot simply re-download the material to get a new license.

Note that you may still be liable for damages for copyright infringement for the period where you were not in compliance with the license.

==Technical Questions==


====How do Creative Commons licenses and public domain tools work technically?====

The Creative Commons licenses have [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ three layers], as does the [http://creativecommons.org/about/cc0 CC0 public domain dedication]: the human-readable deed, the lawyer-readable legal code, and the machine-readable metadata. The [http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/ Public Domain Mark] is not legally operative, and so has only two layers: the human-readable mark and machine-readable metadata.

When material is licensed using any of the CC licenses or tools, it is highly recommended that a [http://creativecommons.org/about/downloads CC button], text, or other marker somehow accompany it. There are many possible modes for marking. For our licenses, people generally use the [http://creativecommons.org/choose CC license chooser] to generate HTML code that can be pasted into the webpage where the licensed material is published. CC0 and the Public Domain Mark have a separate [http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/ chooser]. Many platforms and web services such as [http://www.flickr.com Flickr] and [[Drupal]] support CC licensing directly, allowing you to select an appropriate license. The service then properly marks the work for you.

CC has published some best practices for [[Marking/Creators|marking]] your CC-licensed material, and recommends:

*Including a visual indicator (some combination of text and images) that the work is licensed with one of the CC licenses.
*Clearly indicating what material is covered under the CC license, especially if it's presented alongside non-licensed materials.
*Including a link to the human-readable deed (which itself contains a link to the legal code).
*Embedding [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_does_it_mean_that_Creative_Commons_licenses_are_.22machine_readable.22.3F|machine-readable]] metadata in the code of the license indicator or code of the licensed page.

'''See the [[Marking/Creators|marking]] page for more details.'''

====What does it mean that Creative Commons licenses are "machine-readable"?====

Creative Commons has [[CC REL|specified CC REL]] as a way to associate machine-readable licensing metadata with objects offered under CC licenses.

Before Creative Commons developed this vocabulary, it was difficult for a machine to ascertain whether an object was marked with a CC license. There was also no standard, predictable place to house metadata about that license (for example, the source URL of the work or the required mode of attribution).

Machine-readable metadata based on well-accepted metadata standards creates a platform upon which new services and applications can be built. Software and services can detect CC licenses and the details of that license, as described by the metadata. For example, on many websites and search engines such as Google and Flickr, you can run filtered searches for works offered under specific CC licenses. In addition, CC license deeds can automatically create copy-and-paste attribution code so users may easily comply with the BY condition of the licenses. When you click on a CC license or [http://creativecommons.org/about/downloads button] from a page with license metadata, you get copy-and-paste attribution HTML within that license deed page. That HTML is based on available RDFa metadata in the original material.

All HTML provided by the [http://creativecommons.org/choose CC license chooser] is automatically annotated with [[metadata]] in [[RDFa]] format.



====What is RDFa?====

[[RDFa]] is a method for embedding structured data in a web page. For more information about RDFa, see the following resources:

* [http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml-rdfa-primer/ RDFa Primer]: Bridging the Human and Data Webs
* [http://rdfa.info/ RDFa.info]
* [http://rdfa.info/wiki RDFa Wiki]


====What is CC REL and why does Creative Commons recommend it?====

[http://wiki.creativecommons.org/CC_REL Creative Commons Rights Expression Language] (CC REL) renders information about licenses and works machine-readable through standards that define the semantic web. Creative Commons wants to make it easy for creators and scientists to build upon the works of others when they choose; licensing your work for reuse and ﬁnding properly licensed works to reuse should be easy. CC recommends that you mark your licensed works with CC REL. The Creative Commons license chooser provides HTML annotated with CC REL, while the Creative Commons deeds recognize CC REL on web pages with works offered under a CC license, and use this metadata to enhance the deed for properly marked-up works, e.g., by providing copy and paste HTML that includes work attribution.

For more background information on CC REL, please refer to this [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/images/d/d6/Ccrel-1.0.pdf paper].

====What does it mean for a search engine to be CC-enabled?====

Some search engines (like [http://www.google.com/advanced_search?hl=en Google]) allow people to filter their search results by usage rights so that you can limit your search results according to the particular CC license you seek. For example, if you are looking for a photo to adapt, you can filter your search to return photos that have a CC license that permits creation of adaptations. You can generally find this search feature on the advanced search page of your selected search engine. You can also use [http://search.creativecommons.org CC Search], which offers a convenient interface to search and a list of those content providers that support searches for content based on usage rights.

Please note, however, that you should always double check to make sure that the work you locate through a search is licensed as you wish.




====How do I give users of my site the option to use CC licensing like Flickr does?====

Creative Commons provides tools for integrating license selection with your site. You can find an overview at the Web Integration article on the [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Web_Integration CC wiki]. The [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Partner_Interface Partner Interface] is a good way to get started and will always have the most up-to-date license versions and translations. However, there is also an [http://api.creativecommons.org/docs/ API] available if you want more control.

====How can I change or remove the Creative Commons search option built into the Firefox browser?====

Mozilla has included the Creative Commons search function in many versions of Firefox along with search options for Google, Amazon, and other popular sites. Please take a look at the [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Firefox_and_CC_Search Firefox article on the CC wiki] for an explanation of how to change these features.

If you want to add or remove a particular search option, click on the logo in the search box (for example, the CC logo or the Google logo). This will open the pull down menu, which will allow you to select different search providers. If you choose “Manage Search Engines,” you will be able to add or remove search engines. You can also alter the order in which the search providers appear on the pull down menu.

====Is Creative Commons involved in digital rights management (DRM)?====

No. CC licenses are a form of rights expression, not rights management. CC provides tools to make it easier for creators and owners to say which rights they reserve and permissions they grant. This is different from digital rights management (or “DRM”), which uses technological protection measures to prevent people from using the work in a way that the owner has not permitted.

CC licenses contain language prohibiting licensees from the use of effective technological measures (including DRM) to prevent access to licensed material: ”You may not offer or impose any additional or different terms or conditions on, or apply any Effective Technological Measures to, the Licensed Material if doing so restricts exercise of the Licensed Rights by any such recipient.”

While licensors may apply effective technological measures (ETMs) to their own materials, the licensor provides a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_if_I_received_CC-licensed_material_encumbered_with_effective_technological_measures_.28such_as_DRM.29.3F|limited permission to circumvent these measures]]: “The Licensor waives and/or agrees not to assert any right or authority to forbid You from making technical modifications necessary to exercise the Licensed Rights, including technical modifications necessary to circumvent Effective Technological Measures.” Note that this only applies to effective technological measures applied by licensors themselves: third parties such as distribution platforms may still apply ETMs if the licensor uploads there, and the license is not able to grant you permission to circumvent it.

==Legal Background==

====What is copyright and why does it matter?====

Copyright law grants exclusive rights to creators of original works of authorship. National laws usually extend protections to such works automatically once fixed in a tangible medium, prohibiting the making of copies without the rights holder’s permission, among other things. On the internet, even the most basic activities involve making copies of copyrighted content. As content is increasingly uploaded, downloaded, and shared online, copyright law is becoming more relevant to more people than it was 20 years ago. Unfortunately, infringing copyrights—even unintentionally or unknowingly—can lead to liability. Successful navigation of the internet requires some understanding of copyright law.

====What is the public domain?====

The public domain of copyright refers to the aggregate of those works that are not restricted by copyright within a given jurisdiction. A work may be part of the public domain because the applicable term of copyright has expired, because the rights holder surrendered copyright in the work with a tool like [http://creativecommons.org/about/cc0 CC0], or because the work did not meet the applicable standards for copyrightability.

Because the public domain depends on the copyright laws in force within a particular territory, sometimes a work may be considered “in the public domain” of one jurisdiction, but not in another. For example, [http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#105 U.S. government works are automatically in the public domain under U.S. copyright law], but might be restricted by copyright in other countries.

The [http://publicdomainmanifesto.org/ Public Domain Manifesto], the [http://fairuse.stanford.edu/Copyright_and_Fair_Use_Overview/chapter8/Stanford University Libraries] page, and the [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/CC0_FAQ CC0 FAQs] all contain additional information about the public domain.






====What do I need to do to get a copyright?====

Copyright in most jurisdictions attaches automatically without need for any formality once a creative work is fixed in tangible form (i.e. the minute you put pen to paper, take a photo, or hit the “save” button on your computer).

In some jurisdictions, creators may be required to register with a national agency in order to enforce copyright in court. If you would like more information, please consult the [http://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ip/berne/trtdocs_wo001.html Berne Convention] or [http://www.wipo.int/clea/en/ your jurisdiction's copyright law].

Although you do not have to apply a copyright notice for your work to be protected, it may be a useful tool to clearly signal to people that the work is yours. It also tells the public who to contact about the work.


====What is an adaptation?====

An adaptation is a work based on one or more pre-existing works. What constitutes an adaptation depends on applicable law, however translating a work from one language to another or creating a film version of a novel are generally considered adaptations.

In order for an adaptation to be protected by copyright, most national laws require the creator of the adaptation to add original expression to the pre-existing work. However, there is no international standard for originality, and the definition differs depending on the jurisdiction. Civil law jurisdictions (such as [http://www.wipo.int/clea/en/text_html.jsp?lang=EN&id=1034 Germany] and [http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/html/codes_traduits/cpialtext.htm France]) tend to require that the work contain an imprint of the adapter's personality. Common law jurisdictions (such as the [http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#103 U.S.] or [http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/C-42/index.html Canada]), on the other hand, tend to have a lower threshold for originality, requiring only a minimal level of creativity and “independent conception.” Some countries approach originality completely differently. For example, [http://www.wipo.int/clea/en/text_html.jsp?lang=EN&id=514 Brazil's] copyright code protects all works of the mind that do not fall within the list of works that are expressly defined in the statue as “unprotected works.” Consult [http://www.wipo.int/clea/en/ your jurisdiction's copyright law] for more information.



====What are moral rights?====

Copyright laws in many jurisdictions around the world grant creators “moral rights” in addition to the economic or commercial right to exploit their creative works. Moral rights protect the personal and reputational value of a work for its creator. Moral rights differ by country, and can include the right of attribution, the right to have a work published anonymously or pseudonymously, and/or the right to the integrity of the work. The moral right of integrity may provide creators with a source for redress if an adaptation represents derogatory treatment of their work, typically defined as “distortion or mutilation” of the work or treatment that is “prejudicial to the honor, or reputation of the author.” Not all jurisdictions provide for moral rights.

The CC licenses are intended to minimize the effect of moral rights on a licensee’s ability to use licensed material; however, in some jurisdictions, these rights may still have an effect. CC offers some additional information on [[#How_do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_my_moral_rights.2C_if_at_all.3F |how CC licenses may affect your moral rights]].

====What are neighboring rights?====

Copyright provides an incentive to create works by providing exclusive rights to creators. However, the distribution or exploitation of a work often involves more than just the creator. For example, if someone writes a song, someone else may perform the song, and another may produce the recording of the song. Some jurisdictions extend copyright to the contributions made by these persons; other jurisdictions extend such exclusive rights in the form of neighboring rights. Neighboring rights may include performers' rights or broadcasters' rights, among others. The [http://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ip/rome/summary_rome.html Rome Convention] sets forth some guidelines on the scope of neighboring rights. Not all jurisdictions recognize neighboring rights.

====What are sui generis database rights?====

Sui generis database rights grant qualifying database makers the right to prohibit the extraction and reuse of a substantial portion of a database. The rights are granted to database makers that make a substantial investment of time and resources to create the database. Sui generis database rights are primarily enacted within the European Union and a handful of other jurisdictions.

====What are collecting societies?====

[http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Version_3#International_Harmonization_.E2.80.94_Collecting_Societies Collecting societies] are copyright management organizations. Some examples of collecting societies include ASCAP and BMI (United States), BUMA/STEMRA (Netherlands), PRS (United Kingdom), and APRA (Australia). These societies license works on behalf of their owners and process royalty payments from parties using the copyrighted works.

CC offers additional information on [[#Can_I_use_a_Creative_Commons_license_if_I_am_a_member_of_a_collecting_society.3F | how collecting societies might affect your rights and your ability to apply CC licenses to your work]]. CC has several [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Collecting_Society_Projects pilots] underway with collecting societies that have chosen to allow their members to use CC licenses on a limited basis.



====What are publicity, personality, and privacy rights?====

These terms are used differently in different jurisdictions. Generally speaking, these rights allow individuals to control the use of their voice, image, likeness, or other identifiable aspect of their identity, especially for purposes of commercial exploitation. Similarly, in some jurisdictions these rights allow people to restrict others' ability to publish information about them without their permission. Whether and to what extent these rights exist, and if so, how they are labeled, varies depending on the jurisdiction.

[[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_are_publicity.2C_privacy.2C_and_personality_rights_affected_when_I_apply_a_CC_license.3F|Creative Commons licenses have a limited effect on these rights]] where the licensor holds them. Where the licensor has publicity, personality, or privacy rights that may affect your ability to use the material as the license intends, the licensor agrees to waive or not assert those rights. However, any such rights not held by the licensor are not affected and may still affect your desired use of a licensed work. If you have created a work or wish to use a work that might in some way implicate these rights, you may need to obtain permission from the individuals whose rights may be affected.

===Data===
{{:Data}}

[[Category:FAQ]]

Frequently Asked Questions

2014-09-17T16:51:12Z

Kat Walsh: /* Does my use violate the NonCommercial clause of the licenses? */ +NC interpretation

__NOTOC__
These FAQs are designed to provide a better understanding of Creative Commons, our licenses, and our other legal and technical tools. They provide basic information, sometimes about fairly complex topics, and will often link to more detailed information.

* Other CC FAQs: [[CC0_FAQ|CC0 Public Domain Dedication]] and [[PDM_FAQ|Public Domain Mark]].
* "Licensor", "rights holder", "owner", and "creator" may be used interchangeably to refer to the person or entity applying a CC license.
* Information about the licenses is primarily made with reference to the 4.0 suite, but earlier [[License_Versions|license versions]] are mentioned where they differ.
* Have a question that isn't answered here? Contact info@creativecommons.org.

{{Infobox|
'''Creative Commons does not provide legal advice.''' This FAQ is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for legal advice. It may not cover important issues that affect you. You should consult with your own lawyer if you have questions.|}}

==Questions==

===Most Frequently Asked Questions===

#[[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_other_tools.2C_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F|Can Creative Commons give legal advice about its licenses or other tools, or help with CC license enforcement?]]
#[[#Who_gives_permission_to_use_material_offered_under_Creative_Commons_licenses.3F|Who gives permission to use material offered under Creative Commons licenses?]]
#[[#How_do_I_properly_attribute_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F|How do I properly attribute material offered under a Creative Commons license?]]
#[[#What_if_CC_licenses_have_not_been_ported_to_my_jurisdiction_.28country.29.3F |What if CC licenses have not been ported to my jurisdiction (country)?]]
#[[#When_is_my_use_considered_an_adaptation.3F|When is my use considered an adaptation?]]
#[[#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F | Does my use violate the NonCommercial clause of the licenses?]]
#[[#Can_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_software.3F | Can I apply a Creative Commons license to software?]]
#[[#How_can_I_change_or_remove_the_Creative_Commons_search_option_built_into_the_Firefox_browser.3F | How can I change or remove the Creative Commons search option built into the Firefox browser?]]
#[[#Can_I_change_the_license_terms_or_conditions.3F | Can I change the license terms or conditions?]]

===About CC===

#[[#What_is_Creative_Commons_and_what_do_you_do.3F | What is Creative Commons and what do you do?]]
#[[#Is_Creative_Commons_against_copyright.3F | Is Creative Commons against copyright?]]
#[[#What_does_.22Some_Rights_Reserved.22_mean.3F | What does "Some Rights Reserved" mean?]]
#[[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_other_tools.2C_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F | Can Creative Commons give legal advice about its licenses or other tools, or help with CC license enforcement?]]
#[[#Does_Creative_Commons_collect_or_track_materials_licensed_under_a_CC_license.3F | Does Creative Commons collect or track material licensed under a CC license?]]
#[[#What_do_the_Creative_Commons_buttons_do.3F | What do the Creative Commons buttons do?]]
#[[#May_I_use_the_Creative_Commons_logo_and_buttons.3F|May I use the Creative Commons logo and buttons?]]
#[[#I_love_Creative_Commons._How_can_I_help.3F | I love Creative Commons. How can I help?]]
#[[#Why does Creative Commons run an annual fundraising campaign? What is the money used for and where does it go.3F | Why does Creative Commons run an annual fundraising campaign? What is the money used for and where does it go?]]

===General License Information===

#[[#What_are_Creative_Commons_licenses.3F|What are Creative Commons licenses?]]
#[[#How_do_CC_licenses_operate.3F|How do CC licenses operate?]]
#[[#Which_is_the_latest_version_of_the_licenses_offered_by_Creative_Commons.3F|Which is the latest version of the licenses offered by Creative Commons?]]
#[[#Do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_exceptions_and_limitations_to_copyright.2C_such_as_fair_dealing_and_fair_use.3F | Do Creative Commons licenses affect exceptions and limitations to copyright, such as fair dealing and fair use?]]
#[[#Who_gives_permission_to_use_material_offered_under_Creative_Commons_licenses.3F|Who gives permission to use material offered under Creative Commons licenses?]]
#[[#Are_Creative_Commons_licenses_enforceable_in_a_court_of_law.3F | Are Creative Commons licenses enforceable in a court of law?]]
#[[#What_happens_if_someone_applies_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_my_work_without_my_knowledge_or_authorization.3F | What happens if someone applies a CC license to my work without my knowledge or authorization?]]
#[[#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F | What are the international (“unported”) Creative Commons licenses, and why does CC offer “ported” licenses?]]
#[[#Can_I_include_a_work_licensed_with_CC_BY_in_a_Wikipedia_article_even_though_they_use_a_CC_BY-SA_license.3F | Can I include a work licensed with CC BY in a Wikipedia article even though they use a CC BY-SA license?]]
#[[#Can_governments_and_intergovernmental_organizations_.28.22IGOs.22.29_use_CC_licenses.3F | Can governments and intergovernmental organizations ("IGOs") use CC licenses?]]
#[[#What_are_the_official_translations_of_the_CC_licenses.3F|What are the official translations of the CC licenses?]]

===For Licensors===
'''NB: You should never apply a CC license to a work unless you have [[Considerations for licensors and licensees|all the permissions you need]] to do so. '''
====Choosing a license====
#[[#What_things_should_I_think_about_before_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F| What things should I think about before I apply a Creative Commons license?]]
#[[#How_should_I_decide_which_license_to_choose.3F|How should I decide which license to choose?]]
#[[#Why_should_I_use_the_latest_version_of_the_Creative_Commons_licenses.3F|Why should I use the latest version of the Creative Commons licenses?]]
#[[#What_if_CC_licenses_have_not_been_ported_to_my_jurisdiction.3F|What if CC licenses have not been ported to my jurisdiction?]]
#[[#Should_I_choose_an_international_license_or_a_ported_license.3F|Should I choose an international license or a ported license?]]
#[[#Why_should_I_use_the_license_chooser.3F_What_if_I_don.E2.80.99t.3F|Why should I use the license chooser? What if I don’t?]]
#[[#How_do_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_my_material.3F | How do I apply a Creative Commons license to my material?]]
#[[#Do_I_need_to_register_with_Creative_Commons_before_I_obtain_a_license.3F | Do I need to register with Creative Commons before I obtain a license?]]

====What can I license?====
#[[#What_do_the_terms_and_conditions_of_a_CC_license_apply_to.3F | What do the terms and conditions of a CC license apply to?]]
#[[#Can_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_software.3F | Can I apply a Creative Commons license to software?]]
#[[#Can_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_databases.3F | Can I apply a Creative Commons license to databases?]]
#[[#Could_I_use_a_CC_license_to_share_my_logo_or_trademark.3F | Could I use a CC license to share my logo or trademark?]]
#[[#May_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_a_work_in_the_public_domain.3F | May I apply a Creative Commons license to a work in the public domain?]]
#[[#If_I_take_a_photograph_of_another_work_that_is_out_of_copyright_and_in_the_public_domain,_can_I_apply_a_CC_license_to_my_photo.3F | If I take a photograph of another work that is out of copyright and in the public domain, can I apply a CC license to my photo?]]
#[[#May_I_apply_a_CC_license_to_my_work_if_it_incorporates_material_used_under_fair_use_or_another_exception_or_limitation_to_copyright?|May I apply a CC license to my work if it incorporates material used under fair use or another exception or limitation to copyright? ]]

====Rights other than copyright====
#[[#Can_I_use_CC_licenses_to_license_rights_other_than_copyright.3F|Can I use CC licenses to license rights other than copyright?]]
#[[#How_do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_my_moral_rights.2C_if_at_all.3F | How do Creative Commons licenses affect my moral rights, if at all?]]
#[[#Can_I_place_a_trademark_on_a_work_and_offer_the_work_under_a_CC_license_without_also_licensing_or_otherwise_affecting_rights_in_the_trademark.3F_If_so.2C_how.3F | Can I place a trademark on a work and offer the work under a CC license without also licensing or affecting rights in the trademark?]]
#[[#How_are_publicity,_privacy,_and_personality_rights_affected_when_I_apply_a_CC_license.3F|How are publicity, privacy, and personality rights affected when I apply a CC license?]]

====Business models====
#[[#Can_I_apply_a_CC_license_to_low-resolution_copies_of_a_licensed_work_and_reserve_more_rights_in_high-resolution_copies.3F | Can I apply a CC license to low-resolution copies of a licensed work and reserve more rights in high-resolution copies?]]
#[[#Can_I_use_a_Creative_Commons_license_if_I_am_a_member_of_a_collecting_society.3F | Can I use a Creative Commons license if I am a member of a collecting society?]]
#[[#Can_I_still_make_money_from_a_work_I_make_available_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F | Can I still make money from a work I make available under a Creative Commons license?]]

====Alterations and additions to the license====
#[[#Can_I_insist_on_the_exact_placement_of_the_attribution_credit.3F | Can I insist on the exact placement of the attribution credit?]]
#[[#Can_I_change_the_license_terms_or_conditions.3F | Can I change the license terms or conditions?]]
#[[#Can_I_waive_license_terms_or_conditions.3F | Can I waive license terms or conditions?]]
#[[#Can_I_enter_into_separate_or_supplemental_agreements_with_users_of_my_work.3F|Can I enter into separate or supplemental agreements with users of my work?]]

====After licensing====
#[[#What_happens_if_I_offer_my_material_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_someone_misuses_them.3F | What happens if I offer my materials under a Creative Commons license and someone misuses them?]]
#[[#What_can_I_do_if_I_offer_my_material_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_I_do_not_like_the_way_someone_uses_it.3F | What can I do if I offer my material under a Creative Commons license and I do not like the way someone uses it?]]
#[[#What_do_I_do_if_someone_tries_to_place_effective_technological_measures_.28such_as_DRM.29_on_my_CC-licensed_material.3F|What do I do if someone tries to place effective technological measures (such as DRM) on my CC-licensed material?]]
#[[#When_I_release_my_work_under_a_CC_license_in_one_format_(e.g.,_.pdf),_can_I_restrict_licensees_from_changing_it_to_or_using_it_in_other_formats.3F|When I release my work under a CC license in one format (e.g., .pdf), can I restrict licensees from changing it to or using it in other formats?]]
#[[#What_if_I_change_my_mind_about_using_a_CC_license.3F|What if I change my mind about using a CC license?]]

===For Licensees===
====Before using CC-licensed material====
#[[#What_should_I_think_about_before_using_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F | What should I think about before using material offered under a Creative Commons license?]]
#[[#Does_a_Creative_Commons_license_give_me_all_the_rights_I_need_to_use_the_work.3F | Does a Creative Commons license give me all the rights I need to use the work?]]
#[[#What_if_there_are_sui_generis_database_rights_that_apply_to_my_use_of_a_CC-licensed_database.3F|What if there are sui generis database rights that apply to my use of a CC-licensed database?]]
#[[#Where_can_I_find_material_offered_under_a_CC_license.3F | Where can I find material offered under a CC license?]]
#[[#Are_Creative_Commons_works_really_free_to_use.3F|Are Creative Commons works really free to use?]]
#[[#What_should_I_know_about_differences_between_the_international_licenses_and_the_ported_licenses.3F | What should I know about differences between the international licenses and the ported licenses?]]

====General license compliance====
#[[#What_happens_if_I_want_to_use_the_material_in_a_way_that_is_not_permitted_by_the_license.3F | What happens if I want to use the material in a way that is not permitted by the license?]]
#[[#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not,_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|Do I always have to comply with the license terms? If not, what are the exceptions?]]

====Attribution====
#[[#How_do_I_properly_attribute_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F | How do I properly attribute material offered under a Creative Commons license?]]
#[[#Do_I_need_to_be_aware_of_anything_else_when_providing_attribution.3F | Do I need to be aware of anything else when providing attribution?]]
#[[#Do_I_always_have_to_attribute_the_creator_of_the_licensed_material.3F|Do I always have to attribute the creator of the licensed material?]]

====Using licensed material====
#[[#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F | Does my use violate the NonCommercial clause of the licenses?]]
#[[#Can_I_take_a_CC-licensed_work_and_use_it_in_a_different_format.3F|Can I take a CC-licensed work and use it in a different format?]]
#[[#How_do_I_know_if_a_low-resolution_photo_and_a_high-resolution_photo_are_the_same_work.3F|How do I know if a low-resolution photo and a high-resolution photo are the same work?]]
#[[#Can_I_use_effective_technological_measures_(such_as_DRM)_when_I_share_CC-licensed_material.3F|Can I use effective technological measures (such as DRM) when I share CC-licensed material?]]
#[[#Can_I_share_CC-licensed_material_on_password-protected_sites.3F|Can I share CC-licensed material on password-protected sites?]]
#[[#Can_I_share_CC-licensed_material_on_file-sharing_networks.3F|Can I share CC-licensed material on file-sharing networks?]]

====Additional restrictions on licensed material====
#[[#What_if_I_received_CC-licensed_material_encumbered_with_effective_technological_measures_(such_as_DRM).3F|What if I received CC-licensed material encumbered with effective technological measures (such as DRM)?]]
#[[#What_if_I_have_received_CC-licensed_material_with_additional_restrictions.3F|What if I have received CC-licensed material with additional restrictions?]]

====Combining and adapting CC material====
#[[#When_is_my_use_considered_an_adaptation.3F|When is my use considered an adaptation?]]
#[[#Can_I_combine_material_under_different_Creative_Commons_licenses_in_my_work.3F|Can I combine material that uses different Creative Commons licenses into my work?]]
#[[#If_I_derive_or_adapt_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.2C_which_CC_license.28s.29_can_I_use.3F|If I derive or adapt material offered under a Creative Commons license, which CC license(s) can I use?]]
#[[#If_I_create_a_collection_that_includes_a_work_offered_under_a_CC_license.2C_which_license.28s.29_may_I_choose_for_the_collection.3F|If I create a collection that includes a work offered under a CC license, which license(s) may I choose for the collection?]]

====License termination====
#[[#When_do_ Creative_Commons_licenses_expire.3F|When do Creative Commons licenses expire? ]]
#[[#What_happens_if_the_author_decides_to_revoke_the_CC_license_to_material_I_am_using.3F|What happens if the author decides to revoke the CC license to material I am using?]]
#[[#How_can_I_lose_my_rights_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F_If_that_happens,_how_do_I_get_them_back.3F|How can I lose my rights under a Creative Commons license? If that happens, how do I get them back?]]

===Technical Questions===

#[[#How_do_Creative_Commons_licenses_and_public_domain_tools_work_technically.3F | How do Creative Commons licenses and public domain tools work technically?]]
#[[#What_does_it_mean_that_Creative_Commons_licenses_are_.22machine-readable.22.3F | What does it mean that Creative Commons licenses are "machine-readable"?]]
#[[#What_is_RDFa.3F | What is RDFa?]]
#[[#What_is_CC_REL_and_why_does_Creative_Commons_recommend_it.3F | What is CC REL and why does Creative Commons recommend it?]]
#[[#What_does_it_mean_for_a_search_engine_to_be_CC-enabled.3F | What does it mean for a search engine to be CC-enabled?]]
#[[#How_do_I_give_users_of_my_site_the_option_to_use_CC_licensing_like_Flickr_does.3F | How do I give users of my site the option to use CC licensing like Flickr does?]]
#[[#How_can_I_change_or_remove_the_Creative_Commons_search_option_built_into_the_Firefox_browser.3F | How do I change/remove the Creative Commons search options built into the Firefox browser?]]
#[[#Is_Creative_Commons_involved_in_digital_rights_management_.28DRM.29.3F | Is Creative Commons involved in digital rights management (DRM)?]]

===Legal Background===

#[[#What_is_copyright_and_why_does_it_matter.3F | What is copyright and why does it matter?]]
#[[#What_is_the_public_domain.3F | What is the public domain?]]
#[[#What_do_I_need_to_do_to_get_a_copyright.3F | What do I need to do to get a copyright?]]
#[[#What_is_an_adaptation.3F | What is an adaptation?]]
#[[#What_are_moral_rights.3F | What are moral rights?]]
#[[#What_are_neighboring_rights.3F | What are neighboring rights?]]
#[[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|What are sui generis database rights?]]
#[[#What_are_collecting_societies.3F | What are collecting societies?]]
#[[#What_are_publicity,_personality,_and_privacy_rights.3F|What are publicity, personality, and privacy rights?]]

===Data===
====Frequently asked questions about data and CC licenses====
#[[#Can_databases_be_released_under_CC_licenses.3F|Can databases be released under CC licenses?]]
#[[#When_a_CC_license_is_applied_to_a_database,_what_is_being_licensed.3F|When a CC license is applied to a database, what is being licensed?]]
#[[#How_do_I_apply_a_CC_legal_tool_to_a_database.3F|How do I apply a CC legal tool to a database?]]
#[[#How_do_the_different_CC_license_elements_operate_for_a_CC-licensed_database.3F|How do the different CC license elements operate for a CC-licensed database?]]
#[[#Can_I_conduct_text/data_mining_on_a_CC-licensed_database.3F|Can I conduct text/data mining on a CC-licensed database?]]
#[[#How_does_the_treatment_of_sui_generis_database_rights_vary_in_prior_versions_of_CC_licenses.3F|How does the treatment of sui generis database rights vary in prior versions of CC licenses?]]
#[[#What_is_the_difference_between_the_Open_Data_Commons_licenses_and_the_CC_4.0_licenses.3F|What is the difference between the Open Data Commons licenses and the CC 4.0 licenses?]]

====Frequently asked questions about data, generally====

#[[#Which_components_of_databases_are_protected_by_copyright.3F|Which components of databases are protected by copyright?]]
#[[#How_do_I_know_whether_a_particular_use_of_a_database_is_restricted_by_copyright.3F|How do I know whether a particular use of a database is restricted by copyright?]]
#[[#If_my_use_of_a_database_is_restricted_by_copyright,_how_do_I_comply_with_the_license.3F|If my use of a database is restricted by copyright, how do I comply with the license?]]
#[[#Which_components_of_a_database_are_protected_by_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|Which components of a database are protected by sui generis database rights?]]
#[[#How_do_I_know_whether_a_particular_use_of_a_database_is_restricted_by_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|How do I know whether a particular use of a database is restricted by sui generis database rights?]]
#[[#What_constitutes_a_“substantial_portion”_of_a_database.3F|What constitutes a “substantial portion” of a database?]]
#[[#If_my_use_of_a_database_is_restricted_by_sui_generis_database_rights,_how_do_I_comply_with_the_license.3F|If my use of a database is restricted by sui generis database rights, how do I comply with the license?]]

<hr/>

==About CC==






====What is Creative Commons and what do you do?====

Creative Commons is a global nonprofit organization that enables sharing and reuse of creativity and knowledge through the provision of free legal tools. Our legal tools help those who want to encourage reuse of their works by offering them for use under generous, standardized terms; those who want to make creative uses of works; and those who want to benefit from this symbiosis. Our vision is to help others realize the full potential of the internet. CC has affiliates [http://creativecommons.org/international/ all over the world] who help ensure our licenses work internationally and who raise awareness of our work.

Although Creative Commons is best known for its licenses, our work extends beyond just providing copyright licenses. CC offers other legal and technical tools that also facilitate sharing and discovery of creative works, such as [http://creativecommons.org/choose/zero/ CC0], a public domain dedication for rights holders who wish to put their work into the public domain before the expiration of copyright, and the [http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0 Public Domain Mark], a tool for marking a work that is in the worldwide public domain. [[#Technical_Questions_2|Creative Commons licenses and tools were designed specifically to work with the web]], which makes content that is offered under their terms easy to search for, discover, and use.

For more information about CC, our [http://creativecommons.org main website] contains in-depth information about [http://creativecommons.org/about/ the organization], its [http://creativecommons.org/staff/ staff and board of directors], its [http://creativecommons.org/about/history history], and its [https://support.creativecommons.org/supporters supporters]. You can also read [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Case_Studies CC case studies] to learn about some of the inspiring ways CC licenses and tools have been used to share works and support innovative business models. You can find regularly updated information about CC by visiting the [http://creativecommons.org/weblog blog].

====Is Creative Commons against copyright?====

Absolutely not. CC has [http://creativecommons.org/weblog/entry/22643 responded to claims to the contrary]. CC licenses are copyright licenses, and depend on the existence of copyright to work. CC licenses are legal tools that creators and other rights holders can use to offer certain usage rights to the public, while reserving other rights. Those who want to make their work available to the public for limited kinds of uses while preserving their copyright may want to consider using CC licenses. Others who want to reserve all of their rights under copyright law should not use CC licenses.

That said, Creative Commons recognizes the need for change in copyright law, and many members of the Creative Commons community are active participants in the copyright reform movement. For more information, see our [http://creativecommons.org/about/reform statement in support of copyright reform].

====What does "Some Rights Reserved" mean?====

[[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_is_copyright_and_why_does_it_matter.3F|Copyright]] grants to creators a bundle of exclusive rights over their creative works, which generally include, at a minimum, the right to reproduce, distribute, display, and make adaptations. The phrase "All Rights Reserved" is often used by owners to indicate that they reserve all of the rights granted to them under the law. When copyright expires, the work enters the [[#What_is_the_public_domain.3F | public domain]], and the rights holder can no longer stop others from engaging in those activities under copyright, with the exception of moral rights reserved to creators in some jurisdictions. Creative Commons licenses offer creators a spectrum of choices between retaining all rights and relinquishing all rights (public domain), an approach we call "Some Rights Reserved."




====Can Creative Commons give legal advice about its licenses or other tools, or help with CC license enforcement?====

No. Creative Commons is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal services. CC is similar to a self-help service that offers free, form-based legal documents for others to use. These FAQ answers many of the most common questions. There is also specialized information available on the following pages:

*[[Marking/Creators|Marking practices for creators]]
*[[Marking/Users|Marking practices for reusers]]
*[[Data FAQ|Data FAQ]]
*[[License versions|Differences between CC license versions]]
*[[Jurisdiction Database|Differences between jurisdiction ports of earlier license versions]]
*[[PDM_FAQ|Public domain mark FAQ]]
*[[CC0_FAQ|CC0 FAQ]]

While CC does provide this informational guidance about its licenses and other tools, this information may not apply to your particular situation, and should never be taken as legal advice.

If you're looking for legal advice about using CC licenses and other tools, we recommend contacting the [[CC Affiliate Network|Creative Commons affiliate in your jurisdiction]]. CC affiliates are highly connected to the communities of copyright lawyers in their countries. We also offer a [[CC_Friendly_Lawyers|list of lawyers and organizations]] who have identified themselves as willing to provide information to others about CC licensing issues. However, please note that CC does not provide referral services, and does not endorse or recommend any person on that list.





====Does Creative Commons collect or track material licensed under a CC license?====

No, CC does not collect content or track licensed material. However, CC builds technical tools that help the public search for and use works licensed under our licenses and other legal tools, and many others have built such tools as well. [http://search.creativecommons.org/ CC Search] is one tool developed by CC to help the public discover works offered under Creative Commons licenses on the internet via CC-aware search engines and repositories.



====What do the Creative Commons buttons do?====

The CC buttons are a shorthand way to convey the basic permissions associated with material offered under CC licenses. Creators and owners who apply CC licenses to their material can [http://creativecommons.org/about/downloads download and apply those buttons] to communicate to users the permissions granted in advance. When the material is offered online, the buttons should usually link out to the human-readable license deeds (which, in turn, link to the license itself).






====May I use the Creative Commons logo and buttons?====

You may [http://creativecommons.org/about/downloads download high resolution versions] of the Creative Commons logos and use them in connection with your work or your website, provided you comply with our [http://creativecommons.org/policies policies]. Among other things, if you use the logos on a website or on your work, you may not alter the logos in any respect—such as by changing the font, the proportions, or the colors. CC's buttons, name, and corporate logo (the “CC” in a circle) are trademarks of Creative Commons. You cannot use them in ways not permitted by our policies unless you first receive express, written permission. This means, for example, that you cannot (without our permission) print your own buttons and t-shirts using CC logos, although you can purchase them in CC’s [https://creativecommons.net/store/ store].


====I love Creative Commons. How can I help?====

Please support CC by making a donation through our [http://creativecommons.net/ support page]. If you give $50 or more, you can get a special-edition t-shirt only available to CC supporters. Donations and shipping information can be handled through PayPal or by credit card. You can also support CC by visiting our [http://creativecommons.net/store store].

CC always welcomes your feedback, which you can provide by emailing [mailto:info@creativecommons.org info@creativecommons.org]. You can also participate in CC's [http://creativecommons.org/contact#discuss email discussion lists] and share feedback and ideas in one of those forums.

If you are a software developer, sysadmin, or have other technical expertise, please [http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/cc-devel join our developer community] and help build the tools that build the commons.

Finally, one of the best ways to support CC is by supporting our causes yourself. Follow our [http://creativecommons.org/weblog/ blog] to find out about current issues where you can help get involved and spread the word, and advocate for free and open licensing in your own communities.



====Why does Creative Commons run an annual fundraising campaign? What is the money used for and where does it go?====

Creative Commons is a global nonprofit organization that enables sharing and reuse of creativity and knowledge through free legal tools, with affiliates all over the world who help ensure our licenses work internationally and raise awareness about our work. Our tools are free, and our reach is wide.

In order to...
*continue developing our licenses and public domain tools to make sure they are legally and technically up-to-date around the world,
*help creators implement these tools on websites through best practices and individual assistance,
*enable CC licensing on major content-sharing platforms,
*enhance CC-licensed resource search and discovery,
*advocate for CC licensing and open policies in [http://creativecommons.org/education education], [http://creativecommons.org/science science], and [http://creativecommons.org/culture culture], and
*myriad other activities we're forgetting to mention, such as all the everyday boring but essential operations that go into running an organization
...we need $ to make it all happen!
For more information, please take a look at our [http://dispatches.creativecommons.org/ Annual Report].

Creative Commons has always relied on the generosity of both individuals and organizations to fund its ongoing operations. It is essential we have the public's support because it is the creators and users of CC material who make our tools relevant in this digital age. They depend on the tools and services CC provides through their reuse and remix of the rich, open resources available on [http://en.wikipedia.org Wikipedia], [http://www.flickr.com Flickr], [http://soundcloud.com/‎ SoundCloud], [http://www.vimeo.com/‎ Vimeo], [http://www.europeana.eu/ ‎Europeana], [http://ocw.mit.edu/ MIT OpenCourseWare], the [http://www.plos.org/‎Public Library of Science], [http://www.aljazeera.com/‎ Al Jazeera], and [http://youtube.com YouTube]—just to name a few. Many of these people donate $10, $25, or $50 to CC, to help keep it up and running so we can continue to provide our tools and services for free, as a nonprofit organization. The more people who [https://creativecommons.net/ donate] to CC, the more independent it will remain.

==General License Information==



====What are Creative Commons licenses?====
[http://creativecommons.org/licenses Creative Commons licenses] provide an easy way to manage the copyright terms that attach automatically to all creative material under [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_is_copyright_and_why_does_it_matter.3F|copyright]]. Our licenses allow that material to be shared and reused under terms that are flexible and legally sound. Creative Commons offers a core suite of six copyright licenses. Because there is no single "Creative Commons license," it is important to identify [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ which of the six licenses] you are applying to your material, which of the six licenses has been applied to material that you intend to use, and in both cases the specific version.

All of our licenses require that users provide attribution (BY) to the creator when the material is used and shared. Some licensors choose the BY license, which requires attribution to the creator as the only condition to reuse of the material. The other five licenses combine BY with one or more of three additional license elements: NonCommercial (NC), which prohibits commercial use of the material; NoDerivatives (ND), which prohibits the sharing of adaptations of the material; and ShareAlike (SA), which requires adaptations of the material be released under the same license.

CC licenses may be applied to any type of work, including [[OER|educational resources]], [[Musician|music]], [[Photographer|photographs]], [[Data|databases]], [[Government_use_of_Creative_Commons|government and public sector information]], and [[Case_Studies|many other types of material]]. The only categories of works for which CC does not recommend its licenses are [[#Can_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_software.3F| computer software]] and hardware. You should also not apply Creative Commons licenses to works that are [[#May_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_a_work_in_the_public_domain|no longer protected by copyright or are otherwise in the public domain]]. Instead, for those works in the worldwide public domain, we recommend that you mark them with the [http://creativecommons.org/about/pdm Public Domain Mark].

====How do CC licenses operate?====

CC licenses are operative only when applied to material in which a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_is_copyright_and_why_does_it_matter.3F|copyright]] exists, and even then only when a particular use would otherwise not be permitted by copyright. Note that the latest version of CC licenses also applies to rights similar to copyright, such as [[#What_are_neighboring_rights.3F|neighboring rights]] and [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]]. [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_use_CC_licenses_to_license_rights_other_than_copyright.3F|Learn more about the scope of the licenses.]] This means that CC license terms and conditions are '''not''' triggered by [[#Do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_fair_use.2C_fair_dealing.2C_or_other_exceptions_to_copyright.3F|uses permitted under any applicable exceptions and limitations to copyright]], nor do license terms and conditions apply to elements of a licensed work that are in the public domain. This also means that CC licenses do not contractually impose restrictions on uses of a work where there is no underlying copyright. This feature (and others) [[Data#What_is_the_difference_between_the_Open_Data_Commons_licenses_and_the_CC_4.0_licenses.3F|distinguish CC licenses from some other open licenses]] like the [http://opendatacommons.org/licenses/odbl/ ODbL] and [http://opendatacommons.org/licenses/by/ ODC-BY], both of which are intended to [http://opendatacommons.org/faq/licenses/#db-versus-contents impose contractual conditions and restrictions] on the reuse of databases in jurisdictions where there is no underlying copyright or sui generis database right.

All CC licenses are non-exclusive: [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_enter_into_separate_or_supplemental_agreements_with_users_of_my_work.3F|creators and owners can enter into additional, different licensing arrangements]] for the same material at any time (often referred to as “dual-licensing” or “multi-licensing”). However, [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_if_I_change_my_mind_about_using_a_CC_license.3F|CC licenses are not revocable]] once granted unless there has been a breach, and even then the license is terminated only for the breaching licensee.

There are also [http://creativecommons.org/videos/ videos and comics] that offer visual descriptions of how CC licenses work.

====Which is the latest version of the licenses offered by Creative Commons?====

In November 2013, Creative Commons published the version 4.0 license suite. These licenses are the most up-to-date licenses offered by CC, and are recommended over all prior versions. You can see how the licenses have been improved over time on the [[License versions|license versions page]]. 4.0 has been drafted to be internationally valid, and will have official translations becoming available after publication.



====Do Creative Commons licenses affect exceptions and limitations to copyright, such as fair dealing and fair use?====

No. By design, CC licenses do not reduce, limit, or restrict any rights under exceptions and limitations to copyright, such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_use fair use] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_dealing fair dealing]. If your use of CC-licensed material would otherwise be allowed because of an applicable exception or limitation, you do not need to rely on the CC license or comply with its terms and conditions. [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_do_CC_licenses_operate.3F|This is a fundamental principle of CC licensing.]]

====Who gives permission to use material offered under Creative Commons licenses?====

Our licenses and legal tools are intended for use by anyone who holds copyright in the material. This is often, but not always, the creator.

Creative Commons offers licenses and tools to the public free of charge and does not require that creators or other rights holders register with CC in order to apply a CC license to a work. This means that [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_Creative_Commons_collect_or_track_materials_licensed_under_a_CC_license.3F|CC does not have special knowledge of who uses the licenses]] and for what purposes, nor does CC have a way to contact creators beyond means generally available to the public. CC has no authority to grant permission on behalf of those persons, nor does CC manage those rights on behalf of others.

If you would like to obtain additional permissions to use the work beyond those granted by the license that has been applied, or if you’re not sure if your intended use is permitted by the license, you should [[#What_happens_if_I_want_to_do_something_with_the_work_that_is_not_permitted_by_the_license.3F | contact the rights holder]].





====Are Creative Commons licenses enforceable in a court of law?====

Creative Commons licenses are drafted to be enforceable around the world, and have been [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Case_Law enforced in court] in various jurisdictions. To CC's knowledge, the licenses have never been held unenforceable or invalid.

CC licenses contain a “severability” clause. This allows a court to eliminate any provision determined to be unenforceable, and enforce the remaining provisions of the license.

====What happens if someone applies a Creative Commons license to my work without my knowledge or authorization?====

CC [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Before_Licensing alerts prospective licensors] they need to have all necessary rights before applying a CC license to a work. If that is not the case and someone has marked your work with a CC license without your authorization, you should contact that person and tell them to remove the license from your work. You may also wish to contact a lawyer. Creative Commons is not a law firm and cannot represent you or give you legal advice, but there are [[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F | lawyers who have identified themselves as interested in representing people in CC-related matters]].



====What are the international (“unported”) Creative Commons licenses, and why does CC offer “ported” licenses?====

One of CC’s goals is ensuring that all of its legal tools work globally, so that anyone anywhere in the world can share their work on globally standard terms. To this end, CC offers a core suite of six international copyright licenses (formerly called the "unported") that are drafted based largely on various [http://www.wipo.int/copyright/en/treaties.htm international treaties governing copyright], taking into account as many jurisdiction-specific legal issues as possible. The latest version (4.0) has been drafted with particular attention to the needs of international enforceability.

For version 3.0 and earlier, Creative Commons has also offered ported versions of its six core licenses for many jurisdictions (which usually correspond to countries, but not always). These ported licenses are based on the international license suite but have been modified to reflect local nuances in the expression of legal terms and conditions, drafting protocols, and language. The ported licenses and the international licenses are all intended to be legally effective everywhere. CC expects that few, if any, ports will be necessary for 4.0.

CC recommends that you take advantage of the improvements in the 4.0 suite explained on the [[License_versions|license versions page]] unless there are [[#Should_I_choose_an_international_license_or_a_ported_license.3F|particular considerations you are aware of]] that would require a ported license.

====Can I include a work licensed with CC BY in a Wikipedia article even though they use a CC BY-SA license?====

Yes. Works licensed under CC BY may be incorporated into works that are licensed under CC BY-SA. For example, you may incorporate a CC BY photograph into a Wikipedia article so long as you keep all copyright notices intact, provide proper attribution, and otherwise comply with the terms of CC BY. [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ Learn more] about the licenses.





====Can governments and intergovernmental organizations ("IGOs") use CC licenses?====

Yes, anyone may use CC licenses for material they own, including governments and IGOs, and these institutions [[Government|frequently use CC licenses on their copyrightable material]]. The reasons for doing so vary, and often include a desire to maximize the impact and utility of works for educational and informational purposes, and to enhance transparency.

Creative Commons licenses have [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ desirable features] that make them the preferred choice over custom licenses. CC licenses are standard and interoperable, which means material published by different creators using the same type of CC license can be translated, modified, compiled, and remixed without legal barriers depending on the [[#Can_I_combine_works_that_use_different_Creative_Commons_licenses_into_my_work?|particular license applied]]. Creative Commons licenses are also machine-readable, allowing CC-licensed works to be easily discovered via search engines such as Google. These features maximize distribution, reuse, and impact of works published by governments and IGOs.

Though we encourage anyone to use version 4.0, which is internationally valid and may be used by individuals as well as organizations, there is an IGO ported version of 3.0 that IGOs may also use. Read more about how [[government]]s and [[IGO]]s use and leverage CC licenses and legal tools, considerations for using our licenses, and [[Intergovernmental_Organizations#FAQ:_CC_Licenses_and_IGOs|how they operate in the IGO context.]]


====What are the official translations of the CC licenses and CC0?====

Official language translations will be available for the 4.0 licenses and CC0. When you license your own work, you may use or link to the text of any available official translation. When you reuse CC-licensed material, you may comply with the license conditions by referring to any available official translation of the license. These translations are linguistic translations of the English version which adhere as closely as possible to the original text. These translations have been done by our affiliates in accordance with the [[Legal Code Translation Policy]] and with the oversight and detailed review of the CC legal team. Note that these are equivalents of the original English; these translations are ''not'' [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F|jurisdiction ported versions]]. You may find a list of all available translations [[Legal_Tools_Translation#Published_translations|here]].

For versions 3.0 and earlier, official translations are not available. Some unofficial translations were made for informational purposes only. (Jurisdiction ported versions of version 3.0 and earlier were generally published in the official language(s) of the appropriate jurisdiction. However, the ported licenses are [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_should_I_know_about_differences_between_the_international_licenses_and_the_ported_licenses.3F|not
equivalent]] to the international licenses, and do not serve as substitutable references for purposes of complying with the terms and conditions of the licenses.)

==For Licensors==
===Choosing a license===

====What things should I think about before I apply a Creative Commons license?====

Applying a Creative Commons license to your material is a serious decision. When you apply a CC license, you give permission to anyone to use your material for the full duration of applicable copyright and similar rights.

CC has identified [[Considerations for licensors and licensees|some things that you should consider]] before you apply a CC license, some of which relate to your ability to apply a CC license at all. Here are some highlights:

*Is the material copyrightable? If not, is it subject to [[#What_are_neighboring_rights.3F|neighboring rights]] or [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]]? CC licenses do not apply to material in the [[#What_is_the_public_domain.3F|public domain]]. Different countries have different standards for what is in the public domain.
*Do you own the material you want to license? If not, are you otherwise authorized to license it under the specific CC license you are interested in using? You should not apply a license to material that you do not own or that you are not authorized to license.
*Are you aware that CC licenses [[#What_if_I_change_my_mind_about_using_a_CC_license.3F|are not revocable]]? You are free to stop offering material under a CC license at any time, but this will not affect the rights associated with any copies of your work already in circulation. (Any particular licensee may lose his or her rights after violating the license, but this does not affect continual use of the work by other licensees.)
*Are you a member of a [[#What_are_collecting_societies.3F|collecting society]]? If you are, you should [[#Can_I_use_a_Creative_Commons_license_if_I_am_a_member_of_a_collecting_society.3F|make sure that you are able to use CC licenses for your materials]].
*Always read the terms and conditions of the specific license you plan to apply. Additionally, there are several [[License versions|terms that may differ in the earlier versions of the license]], both unported and ported. [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Should_I_choose_an_international_license_or_a_ported_license.3F|If you choose to use a pre-4.0 version or any ported version]], clauses such as choice of law may affect your desired choice of license.


====How should I decide which license to choose?====
If you are unsure which license best suits your needs, there are plenty of resources to help rights holders choose the right CC license. CC Australia has developed a [http://creativecommons.org.au/learn-more/fact-sheets/which-creative-commons-licence-is-right-for-me-poster flow chart] that may be useful in helping you settle on the right license for your work. Creative Commons has also compiled [http://creativecommons.org/examples a list of examples] that demonstrate how various licenses fit into licensors' overall strategies. You can also [http://thepowerofopen.org/ read case studies] of others who are using CC licenses. The CC community can also respond to questions, and may have already addressed issues you raise. The CC community [http://creativecommons.org/discuss email discussion lists] and discussion archives may be useful resources.

Finally, you may also want to [[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F|consult with a lawyer]] to obtain advice on the best license for your needs.


====Why should I use the latest version of the Creative Commons licenses?====
The latest version of the Creative Commons licenses is version 4.0. You should always use the latest version of the Creative Commons licenses in order to take advantage of the many improvements described on the [[License versions|license versions page]]. In particular, 4.0 is meant to be better suited to international use, and use in many different contexts, including [[Data|sharing data]].


====What if CC licenses have not been ported to my jurisdiction?====
All CC licenses are intended to work worldwide. Unless you have a specific reason to use a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Should_I_choose_an_international_license_or_a_ported_license.3F|ported license]], we suggest you consider using one of the international licenses. 4.0 will support official translations of the international license for those who wish to use the licenses in another language.

As of version 4.0, CC is discouraging ported versions, and has placed a hold on new porting projects following its publication until sometime in 2014. At that point, CC will reevaluate the necessity of porting in the future.

====Should I choose an international license or a ported license?====
We recommend that you use a version 4.0 international license. This is the most up-to-date version of our licenses, drafted after broad consultation with our global network of affiliates, and it has been written to be internationally valid. There are currently no [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F|ports]] of 4.0, and it is planned that few, if any, will be created.

All of the ported licenses are at version 3.0 or earlier, which means licensors using those licenses do not have the benefit of the [[License_versions|improvements made in the 4.0 license suite]]. But even before considering the improvements in 4.0, there are several reasons why the [[#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F|international licenses]] may be preferable for rights holders, even if the licenses have been ported to their jurisdiction. As an organization, CC itself licenses all of its own content under an international license because, among other reasons, the international licenses are essentially jurisdiction-neutral while remaining effective globally. The neutral nature of the international licenses appeals to many people and organizations, particularly for use in connection with global projects that transcend political borders. Finally, it is important to know that some of the ported licenses contain a choice of law provision, which may be undesirable for your needs.

However, some rights holders still choose a license ported to their local jurisdiction because they believe their needs are not sufficiently met by the international licenses. If the licenses have been ported to your jurisdiction and you feel that the ported licenses better account for some aspect of local legislation, then you may wish to consider a ported license.

You can [[Jurisdiction_Database|use our jurisdiction database]] to compare international licenses and ports on these issues and others, such as whether a ported license contains a choice of law or forum selection clause.

====Why should I use the license chooser? What if I don’t?====
Licensors are not required to use the [http://creativecommons.org/choose/ CC license chooser] or provide any information about themselves or their material when applying a CC license to their material. However, using the license chooser enables licensors to take advantage of the "machine readable" layer of CC licenses. Our [[ccrel|machine-readable]] code enhances the discoverability of your work because that code allows software, search engines, and other tools to recognize when something is licensed under a CC license. The code also facilitates attribution: when users click on the CC button placed on your site, they will be linked directly to HTML code that they can cut and paste to provide attribution.




====How do I apply a Creative Commons license to my material?====
'''For online material''': Select the license that is appropriate for your material [http://creativecommons.org/choose/ from the CC license chooser] and then follow the [[Marking_your_work_with_a_CC_license#How_to_use_the_CC_License_Chooser|instructions]] to include the HTML code. The code will automatically generate a [[#What_do_the_Creative_Commons_buttons_do.3F|license button]] and a statement that your material is licensed under a CC license. If you are only licensing part of a work (for example, if you have created a video under a CC license but are using a song under a different license), be sure to clearly [[Marking/Creators|mark]] which parts are under the CC license and which parts are not. The HTML code will also include metadata, which allows the material to be discovered via [http://search.creativecommons.org/ Creative Commons-enabled search engines].

'''For offline material''': Identify which license you wish to apply to your work and either (a) [[Marking_your_work_with_a_CC_license#Example:_Offline_document|mark your work]] with a statement such as, “This work is licensed under the Creative Commons [insert description] License. To view a copy of the license, visit [insert url]"; or (b) insert the applicable [[#What_do_the_Creative_Commons_buttons_do.3F|license buttons]] with the same statement and URL link.

'''For third-party platforms''': Many [[Marking_your_work_with_a_CC_license#Content-sharing_platforms|media platforms]] like [http://www.flickr.com/ Flickr], [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube], and [https://soundcloud.com/ SoundCloud] have built-in Creative Commons capabilities, letting users mark their material with a CC license through their account settings. The benefit of using this functionality is that it allows other people to find your content when [http://search.creativecommons.org/ searching on those platforms for CC-licensed material]. If the platform where you're uploading your content does not support CC licensing, you can still identify your content as CC-licensed in the text description of your content.

Legally, these three options are the same. The only difference between applying a CC license offline rather than online is that marking a work online with metadata will ensure that users will be able to find it through CC-enabled search engines.

CC offers resources on the [[Marking/Creators|best practices for marking your material]] and on [[Media:Creativecommons-licensing-and-marking-your-content_eng.pdf|how to mark material in different media (.pdf)]].






====Do I need to register with Creative Commons before I obtain a license?====
No. CC offers its licenses, code, and tools to the public free of charge, without obligation. You do not need to register with Creative Commons to apply a CC license to your material; it is legally valid as soon as you apply it to any material you have the legal right to license.

CC does not require or provide any means for creators or other rights holders to register use of a CC license, [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_Creative_Commons_collect_or_track_materials_licensed_under_a_CC_license.3F|nor does CC maintain a database of works]] distributed under Creative Commons licenses. CC also does not require registration of the work with a national copyright agency.



====What do the terms and conditions of a CC license apply to?====
Although CC licenses get attached to tangible works (such as photos and novels), the license terms and conditions apply to the licensor’s [[FAQ#How_do_CC_licenses_operate.3F|copyright]] in the licensed material. The public is granted “permission to exercise” those rights in [[FAQ#Can_I_take_a_CC-licensed_work_and_use_it_in_a_different_format.3F|any medium or format]]. It is the expression that is protected by copyright and covered by the licenses, not any particular medium or format in which the expression is manifested. This means, for example, that a CC license [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_apply_a_CC_license_to_low-resolution_copies_of_a_licensed_work_and_reserve_more_rights_in_high-resolution_copies.3F|applied to a digitized copy]] of a novel grants the public permission under copyright to use a print version of the same novel on the same terms and conditions (though you may have to purchase the print version from a bookstore).

====Can I apply a Creative Commons license to software?====
We recommend against using Creative Commons licenses for software. Instead, we strongly encourage you to use one of the very good software licenses which are already available. We recommend considering [https://www.gnu.org/licenses/license-recommendations.html licenses made available] by the [http://www.fsf.org/ Free Software Foundation] or [http://opensource.org/licenses listed as “open source”] by the [http://www.opensource.org/ Open Source Initiative].

Unlike software-specific licenses, CC licenses do not contain specific terms about the distribution of source code, which is often important to ensuring the free reuse and modifiability of software. Many software licenses also address patent rights, which are important to software but may not be applicable to other copyrightable works. Additionally, our licenses are currently not compatible with the major software licenses, so it would be difficult to integrate CC-licensed work with other free software. Existing software licenses were designed specifically for use with software and offer a similar set of rights to the Creative Commons licenses.

Our licenses are currently [http://www.dwheeler.com/essays/gpl-compatible.html not compatible with the GPL], though the CC0 Public Domain Dedication '''is''' GPL-compatible and acceptable for software. For details, [[CC0_FAQ#May_I_apply_CC0_to_computer_software.3F_If_so.2C_is_there_a_recommended_implementation.3F|see the relevant CC0 FAQ entry]]. We are looking into compatibility of BY-SA with GPL in the future; see the [http://creativecommons.org/compatiblelicenses license compatibility page] for more information.)

While we recommend against using a CC license on software itself, CC licenses may be used for software documentation, as well as for separate artistic elements such as game art or music.



====Can I apply a Creative Commons license to databases?====
Yes. CC licenses [[Data#Can_databases_be_released_under_CC_licenses.3F|can be used on databases]]. In the 4.0 license suite, applicable [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]] are licensed under the same license conditions as copyright. Many [[Data_and_CC_licenses|governments and others use CC licenses]] for data and databases.

For more detailed information about how CC licenses apply to data and databases, visit our detailed [[Data|Data FAQ]].

====Could I use a CC license to share my logo or trademark?====
Creative Commons does not recommend using a CC license on a logo or trademark. While a logo or trademark can be covered by copyright laws in addition to trademark laws, the special purposes of trademarks make CC licenses an unsuitable mechanism for sharing them in most cases. Generally, logos and trademarks are used to identify the origin of a product or service, or to indicate that it meets a specific standard or quality. Allowing anyone to reuse or modify your logo or trademark as a matter of copyright could result in your inability to limit use of your logo or trademark selectively to accomplish those purposes. Applying a CC license to your trademarks and logos could even result in a loss of your trademark rights altogether. See [[#Can_I_place_a_trademark_on_a_work_and_offer_the_work_under_a_CC_license_without_also_licensing_or_otherwise_affecting_rights_in_the_trademark.3F_If_so.2C_how.3F|below]] for more about how to license material that includes a trademark or logo.

There are other ways to share your logos and trademarks widely while preserving your trademark rights. Establishing a trademark policy that grants permissions in advance for limited uses is one common alternative. [http://www.mozilla.org/foundation/trademarks/policy.html Mozilla], [http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Trademark_policy Wikimedia], and [http://creativecommons.org/policies Creative Commons] have each published policies that accomplish the dual objectives of encouraging reuse and preserving trademark rights.



====May I apply a Creative Commons license to a work in the public domain?====
CC licenses should not be applied to works in the worldwide [[#What_is_the_public_domain.3F|public domain]]. All CC licenses are clear that they [[#Do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_exceptions_and_limitations_to_copyright.2C_such_as_fair_dealing_and_fair_use.3F|do not have the effect]] of placing restrictions on material that would otherwise be unrestricted, and you cannot remove a work from the public domain by applying a CC license to it. If you want to dedicate your own work to the public domain before the expiration of applicable copyright or similar rights, use CC's legally robust [http://creativecommons.org/about/cc0|CC0 public domain dedication]. If a work is already in the worldwide public domain, you should mark it with CC's [http://creativecommons.org/about/pdm Public Domain Mark].

Note that, in some cases, a work may be in the public domain under the copyright laws of some jurisdictions but not others. For example, U.S. government works are in the public domain under the copyright law of the United States, but may be protected by copyright laws in other jurisdictions. A CC license applied to such a work would be effective (and the license restrictions enforceable) in jurisdictions where copyright protection exists, but would not be operative if U.S. copyright law is determined to be the applicable law.

Creators may also apply Creative Commons licenses to material they create that are adapted from public domain works, or to remixed material, databases, or collections that include work in the public domain. However, in each of these instances, the license does not affect parts of the work that are unrestricted by copyright or similar rights. We strongly encourage you to [[Marking/Creators/Marking_third_party_content|mark the public domain material]], so that others know they are also free to use this material without legal restriction.


====If I take a photograph of another work that is in the public domain, can I apply a CC license to my photo? ====
That depends. You can apply a CC license to your photograph if your photograph constitutes a work of original authorship, a question that varies by jurisdiction. As a general matter, your photograph must involve some creative choices, such as background setting, lighting, angle, or other mark of creativity. In the United States, an exact photographic copy of a public domain work is not subject to copyright because there is no originality (even if there is effort or “sweat” exerted in its creation).

In practice, if your photograph is sufficiently creative to attract copyright protection, people will likely have to comply with the license conditions if they reproduce your entire photograph in verbatim form, absent some applicable exception or limitation such as fair use. However, [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not.2C_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|they would not have to comply with the license conditions if they reproduce only those parts of the work in the public domain]]. This is because your copyright in the adaptation only extends to the material you contributed, not to the underlying work.

====May I apply a CC license to my work if it incorporates material used under fair use or another exception or limitation to copyright?====
Yes, but it is important to prominently mark any third party material you incorporate into your work so reusers do not think the CC license applies to that material. The CC license only applies to the rights you have in the work. For example, if your CC-licensed slide deck includes a Flickr image you are using pursuant to fair use, make sure to identify that image as not being subject to the CC license. For more information about incorporating work owned by others, see our page about [[Marking/Creators/Marking_third_party_content|marking third party content]]. Read more considerations for licensors [[Before_Licensing#Considerations_for_licensors|here]].

===Rights other than copyright===
====Can I use CC licenses to license rights other than copyright?====
CC licenses are copyright licenses, but the latest version of CC licenses also cover certain other rights similar to copyright, including [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_are_neighboring_rights.3F|performance, broadcast, and sound recording rights]], as well as [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]]. You may apply a 4.0 license to material subject to any of those rights, whether or not the material is also subject to copyright. Note that the scope of prior versions of CC licenses was more limited. You should refer to our [[License Versions|license versions page]] for details.

====How do Creative Commons licenses affect my moral rights, if at all?====
As a general matter, all CC licenses preserve [[#What_are_moral_rights.3F|moral rights]] to the extent they exist (they do not exist everywhere), but allow uses of the work in ways contemplated by the license that might otherwise violate moral rights. If you apply a 4.0 license to your material, you agree to waive or not assert any moral rights you have, to the limited extent necessary to allow the public to exercise the licensed rights. This is designed to minimize the effect of moral rights on licensees’ ability to use the work, and ensure that the license works internationally as intended. The attribution requirement contained in all of our licenses is intended to satisfy the moral right of attribution, but it must be adhered to whether or not the applicable jurisdiction recognizes moral rights.

[[License Versions|Earlier versions]] of the license are also intended to minimize the effect of moral rights on otherwise-permitted uses, but the language in the licenses differs. Additionally, jurisdiction ports of earlier versions of CC licenses often contain versions of the moral rights language designed to account for moral rights legislation in a particular jurisdiction. If you are applying a ported license to your work, you may wish to review the moral rights language in the particular license.

You can also [[Jurisdiction_Database|compare how different jurisdictions have implemented this provision]], or [[License_versions|browse the license versions page]] to compare the treatment of this issue across the different versions of the CC licenses.



====Can I offer material under a CC license that has my trademark on it without also licensing or affecting rights in the trademark?====
Yes, you may offer material under a Creative Commons license that includes a trademark indicating the source of the work without affecting rights in the trademark, because trademark rights are not licensed by the CC licenses. However, applying the CC license may create an implied license to use the trademark in connection with the licensed material, although not in ways that require permission under trademark law. To avoid any uncertainty, Creative Commons recommends that licensors who wish to mark material with trademarks or other branding materials give notice to licensors expressly disclaiming application of the license to those elements. This can be done in the copyright notice, but could also be noted on the website where the work is published.

The following is an example notice:

“''The text of and illustrations in this document are licensed by Red Hat under a Creative Commons Attribution–Share Alike 3.0 Unported license ("CC-BY-SA"). . . . Red Hat, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, the Shadowman logo, JBoss, MetaMatrix, Fedora, the Infinity Logo, and RHCE are trademarks of Red Hat, Inc., registered in the United States and other countries. For guidelines on the permitted uses of the Fedora trademarks, refer to https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Legal:Trademark_guidelines.''”

====How are publicity, privacy, and personality rights affected when I apply a CC license? ====
When you apply the latest version (4.0) of a CC license to your material, you also agree to waive or not assert any [[#What_are_publicity.2C_personality.2C_and_privacy_rights.3F|publicity, privacy, or personality rights]] that you hold in the material you are licensing, to the limited extent necessary for others to exercise the licensed rights. For example, if you have licensed a photograph of yourself, you may not assert your right of privacy to have the photo removed from further distribution. (Under the 3.0 and earlier licenses, this is implied but not explicit.) If you do not wish to license these rights in this way, you should not apply a CC license to the material where this is a concern.

If there are any third parties who may have publicity, privacy, or personality rights that apply, those rights are not affected by your application of a CC license, and a reuser must seek permission for relevant uses. If you are aware of any such third party rights in the material you are licensing, we recommend [[Marking/Creators/Marking_third_party_content|marking the material]] to give notice to reusers.

===Business models===

====Can I apply a CC license to low-resolution copies of a licensed work and reserve more rights in high-resolution copies?====
You may license your copyright or distribute your work under more than one set of terms. For example, you may publish a photograph on your website, but only distribute high-resolution copies to people who have paid for access. This is a practice CC supports. However, if the low-resolution and high-resolution copies are the [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_do_I_know_if_a_low-resolution_photo_and_a_high-resolution_photo_are_the_same_work.3F|same work under applicable copyright law]], permission under a CC license is not limited to a particular copy, and someone who receives a copy in high resolution may use it under the terms of the CC license applied to the low-resolution copy.

Note that, although CC [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_enter_into_separate_or_supplemental_agreements_with_users_of_my_work.3F|strongly discourages the practice]], CC cannot prevent licensors from attempting to impose restrictions through separate agreements on uses the license otherwise would allow. In that case, licensees may be [[FAQ#What_if_I_have_received_CC-licensed_material_with_additional_restrictions.3F|contractually restricted]] from using the high-resolution copy, for example, even if the licensor has placed a CC license on the low-resolution copy.

====Can I use a Creative Commons license if I am a member of a collecting society?====

Creators and other rights holders may wish to check with their [[#What_are_collecting_societies.3F|collecting society]] before applying a CC license to their material. Many rights holders who are members of a collecting society can waive the right to collect royalties for uses allowed under the license, but only to the extent their societies allow.

Collecting societies in several countries including Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Norway, Spain, Taiwan, and the Netherlands take an assignment of rights from creators in present and future works and manage them, so that the societies effectively become the owner of these rights. (In France it is called a “mandate” of rights but has similar practical effect.) Creators in these jurisdictions who belong to collecting societies may not be able to license their material under CC licenses because the collecting societies own the necessary rights, not the creators. CC is [[Collecting_Society_Projects|working with several collecting societies]] and running pilot programs that allow creators to use CC licenses in some circumstances.

If you are already a member of a collecting society and want to use CC licenses, you are welcome to encourage your collecting society to give you the option of Creative Commons licensing.

====Can I still make money from a work I make available under a Creative Commons license?====
Yes. One of our goals is to encourage creators and rights holders to experiment with new ways to promote and market their work. There are several possible ways of doing this.

CC's [[#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F|NonCommercial (NC)]] licenses allow rights holders to maximize distribution while maintaining control of the commercialization of their works. If you want to reserve the right to commercialize your work, you may do this by choosing a license with the NC condition. If someone else wants to use your work commercially and you have applied an NC license to your work, they must first get your permission. As the rights holder, you may still sell your own work commercially.

You may also use funding models that do not depend on using an NC license. For example, many artists and creators use crowdfunding to fund their work before releasing it under a less restrictive license. Others use a “freemium” model where the basic content is free, but extras such as a physical printed version or special access to a members-only website are for paying customers only.

For more information and ideas, [http://thepowerofopen.org/ The Power of Open] presents case studies of artists, businesspeople, and organizations who use CC.

===Alterations and additions to the license===

====Can I insist on the exact placement of the attribution credit?====
No. CC licenses allow for flexibility in the way credit is provided depending on the medium, means, and context in which a licensee is redistributing licensed material. For example, providing attribution to the creator when using licensed material in a blog post may be different than doing so in a video remix. This flexibility facilitates compliance by licensees and reduces uncertainty about different types of reuse—minimizing the risk that overly onerous and inflexible attribution requirements are simply disregarded.


====Can I change the license terms or conditions?====
Yes—but if you change the terms and conditions of any Creative Commons license, you ''must no longer call, label, or describe the license as a “Creative Commons” or “CC” license'', nor can you use the [http://creativecommons.org/policies Creative Commons logos, buttons, or other trademarks] in connection with the modified license or your materials. Keep in mind that altering terms and conditions is distinct from [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_waive_license_terms_or_conditions.3F|waiving existing conditions or granting additional permissions]] than those in the licenses. Licensors may always do so, and many choose to do so using the [[CCPlus|CC+ protocol]] to readily signal the waiver or additional permission on the CC license deed.

CC does not assert copyright in the text of its licenses, so you are permitted to modify the text as long as you do not use the CC marks to describe it. However, we do not recommend this. We also advise against [[Modifying_the_CC_licenses|modifying our licenses]] through indirect means, such as in your terms of service. A modified license very likely will not be compatible with the same CC license (unmodified) applied to other material. This would prevent licensees from using, combining, or remixing content under your customized license with other content under the same or compatible CC licenses.

Modifying licenses creates friction that confuses users and undermines the key benefits of public, standardized licenses. Central to our licenses is the grant of a standard set of permissions in advance, without requiring users to ask for permission or seek clarification before using the work. This encourages sharing and facilitates reuse, since everyone knows what to expect and the burden of negotiating permissions on a case by case basis is eliminated.

====Can I waive license terms or conditions?====
Yes. You may always choose to waive some license terms or conditions. Material licensed under a CC license but with additional permissions granted or conditions waived may be compatibly licensed with other material under the same license. Our [[CCPlus |CC+ protocol]] provides a mechanism for facilitating that grant or waiver.


====Can I enter into separate or supplemental agreements with users of my work?====
Yes. CC licenses are nonexclusive. Licensors always have the option of entering into separate arrangements for the sharing of their material in addition to applying a CC license. However, those different arrangements are not “CC” or “Creative Commons” licenses.

'''Separate agreements:''' You may offer the licensed material under other licenses in addition to the CC license (a practice commonly referred to as "dual licensing"). For example, you may wish to license a video game soundtrack under both a CC license and the GPL, so that it may be used under either set of terms. A reuser may then choose which set of terms to comply with. Or, for example, you may offer your material to the public under a NonCommercial license, but offer commercial permissions to fee-paying customers.

'''Supplemental agreements:''' Problems arise when licensors design those terms or arrangements to serve not as separate, alternative licensing arrangements but as supplemental terms [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_change_the_license_terms_or_conditions.3F|having the effect of changing the standard terms within the CC license]]. While you may offer separate terms and conditions to other parties, you should not do so in such a way that would neutralize terms of the CC license.

Except in the limited situation where [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_waive_license_terms_or_conditions.3F|more permissions are being granted or license conditions are waived]], if the additional arrangement modifies or conflicts with the CC license terms, then the resulting licensing arrangement is no longer a CC licensing arrangement. To avoid confusing those who may mistakenly believe the work is licensed under standard CC terms, we must insist that in these instances licensors not use our [http://creativecommons.org/policies trademarks, names, and logos] in connection with their custom licensing arrangement.

It should be noted that any agreements you make with other parties only have an effect on the other parties to that agreement, and do not apply to anyone else receiving the licensed material. For example, if there are terms of use that apply to visitors to your website on which you host CC-licensed material, your terms of use may apply to visitors to that website, but not to anyone who receives copies of the CC-licensed material elsewhere. Even for the visitors to your website, any separate terms and conditions do not become part of the license—they remain a separate contractual agreement, and violation of this agreement does not constitute copyright infringement.

===After licensing===


====What happens if I offer my material under a Creative Commons license and someone misuses them?====
A CC license [[#How_can_I_lose_my_rights_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F_If_that_happens.2C_how_do_I_get_them_back.3F|terminates automatically]] when its conditions are violated. For example, if a reuser of CC-licensed material does not provide the attribution required when sharing the work, then the user no longer has the right to continue using the material and may be liable for copyright infringement. The license is terminated for the user who violated the license. However, all other users still have a valid license, so long as they are in compliance.

Under the 4.0 licenses, a licensee automatically gets these rights back if she fixes the violation within 30 days of discovering it.

If you apply a Creative Commons license and a user violates the license conditions, you may opt to contact the person directly to ask them to rectify the situation or consult a lawyer to act on your behalf. Creative Commons is not a law firm and cannot represent you or give you legal advice, but there are [[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F|lawyers who have identified themselves as interested in representing people in CC-related matters]].


====What can I do if I offer my material under a Creative Commons license and I do not like the way someone uses it?====
As long as users abide by license terms and conditions, licensors cannot control how the material is used. However, CC licenses do provide several mechanisms that allow licensors to choose not to be associated with their material or to uses of their material with which they disagree.

First, all CC licenses [[#Do_I_need_to_be_aware_of_anything_else_when_providing_attribution.3F|prohibit using the attribution requirement to suggest that the licensor endorses or supports a particular use]]. Second, licensors may waive the attribution requirement, choosing not to be identified as the licensor, if they wish. Third, if the licensor does not like how the material has been modified or used, CC licenses require that the licensee [[License_Versions#Licensors_may_request_removal_of_attribution|remove the attribution information upon request]]. (In 3.0 and earlier, this is only a requirement for adaptations and collections; in 4.0, this also applies to the unmodified work.) Finally, anyone modifying licensed material must [[License_Versions#Modifications_and_adaptations_must_be_indicated|indicate that the original has been modified]]. This ensures that changes made to the original material--whether or not the licensor approves of them--are not attributed back to the licensor.



====What do I do if someone tries to place effective technological measures (such as DRM) on my CC-licensed material?====
The use of [[#Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_use_effective_technological_measures_.28such_as_DRM.29_when_I_share_CC-licensed_material.3F|any effective technical protection measures (such as digital rights management or "DRM")]] by licensees to prevent others from exercising the licensed rights is prohibited.

Not all kinds of encryption or [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_share_CC-licensed_material_on_password-protected_sites.3F|access limitations]] are prohibited by the licenses. For example, sending content via email and encrypting it with the recipient's public key does not restrict use of the work by the recipient. Likewise, limiting recipients to a particular set of users (for example, by requiring a username and password to enter a site) does not restrict further use of the content by the recipients. In these examples, these things do not prevent the recipient from exercising all of the rights granted by the license, including the right to redistribute it further.

If someone is applying effective technological measures to your CC-licensed material that do restrict exercise of the licensed rights (such as applying DRM that restricts copying), this is a violation of the license terms unless you have chosen to grant this permission separately.

====When I release my work under a CC license in one format (e.g., .pdf), can I restrict licensees from changing it to or using it in other formats?====
No. CC licenses grant permission to use the licensed material in any media or format regardless of the format in which it has been made available. This is true even if you have applied a NoDerivatives license to your work. Once a CC license is applied to a work in one format or medium, a licensee may use the same work in any other format or medium without violating the licensor’s copyright.


====What if I change my mind about using a CC license?====

CC licenses are not revocable. Once something has been published under a CC license, licensees may continue using it according to the license terms for the duration of applicable copyright and similar rights. As a licensor, you may stop distributing under the CC license at any time, but anyone who has access to a copy of the material may continue to redistribute it under the CC license terms. While you cannot revoke the license, CC licenses do provide a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_can_I_do_if_I_offer_my_work_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_I_do_not_like_the_way_someone_uses_my_work.3F|mechanism]] for licensors to ask that others using their material remove the attribution information. You should [[Considerations for licensors and licensees|think carefully before choosing a Creative Commons license]].

==For Licensees==
===Before using CC-licensed material===


====What should I think about before using material offered under a Creative Commons license?====
CC offers [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ six core licenses], each of which grants a different set of permissions. Before you use CC-licensed material, [http://creativecommons.org/about/licenses/ you should review the terms of the particular license] to be sure your anticipated use is permitted. If you wish to use the work in a manner that is not permitted by the license, you should contact the rights holder (often the creator) to get permission first, or look for an alternative work that is licensed in a way that permits your anticipated use. Note that if you use material in a way that is not permitted by the applicable license and your use is not otherwise permitted by an applicable copyright exception or limitation, the license is [[#How_can_I_lose_my_rights_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F_If_that_happens.2C_how_do_I_get_them_back.3F|automatically terminated]] and you may be liable for copyright infringement, even if you are eligible to have your rights reinstated later.

Before using material offered under a Creative Commons license, you should know that [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_a_Creative_Commons_license_give_me_all_the_rights_I_need_to_use_the_work.3F|CC licenses only grant permissions needed under copyright and similar rights]], and there may be additional rights you need to use it as intended. You should also understand that licensors do not offer warranties or guarantees about the material they are licensing unless expressly indicated otherwise. All materials are licensed "AS IS" and a disclaimer of warranties applies unless expressly provided otherwise. If you want to ask for a warranty or guarantee about rights to use the material, you should talk with the licensor before using it.


====Does a Creative Commons license give me all the rights I need to use the work?====
It depends. CC licenses do not license rights other than copyright and [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_use_CC_licenses_to_license_rights_other_than_copyright.3F|similar rights]] (which include [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]] in version 4.0). For example, they do not license trademark or patent rights, or the [[#What_are_publicity.2C_personality.2C_and_privacy_rights.3F|publicity, personality, and privacy rights]] of third parties. However, licensors agree to waive or not assert any [[#What_are_moral_rights.3F|moral rights]], publicity rights, personality rights, or privacy rights they themselves hold, to the limited extent necessary to allow exercise of the licensed rights. Any rights outside of the scope of the license may require clearance (i.e., permission) in order to use the work as you would like.

Additionally, creative works sometimes incorporate works owned by others (known as "third party content"), often used pursuant to a CC license or under an exception or limitation to copyright such as fair use in the U.S. You should make sure you have permission to use any third party content contained in the work you want to use, or that your use is otherwise allowed under the laws of your jurisdiction, particularly in cases such as fair use where your right to use the content depends on the particular context in which you plan to use it.

All CC licenses contain a disclaimer of warranties, meaning that the licensor is not guaranteeing anything about the work, including whether she owns the copyright, has received permission to include third-party content within her work, or secured other rights such as through the use of model releases if a person's image is used in the work. You [[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F|may wish to obtain legal advice]] before using CC-licensed material if you are not sure whether you have all the rights you need.

====What if there are sui generis database rights that apply to my use of a CC-licensed database?====
In the somewhat limited circumstances where sui generis database rights apply to your use, special conditions apply and there are more specific considerations you should be aware of. Under 4.0, sui generis database rights are licensed alongside copyright, but the treatment in earlier versions of the license varies. A fuller explanation of these variations and related considerations is available in the [[Data|Data FAQ]].

====Where can I find material offered under a CC license?====
If you are looking for material offered under a Creative Commons license, [http://search.creativecommons.org/ CC Search] is a good starting point. There is also a [[Content_Directories|directory]] of organizations and individuals who use CC licenses. Some media sites, such as [http://www.flickr.com/ Flickr], have search filters for material licensed using CC's licenses.

Be sure to confirm that the material you want to use is actually under a CC license, as search results may sometimes be misleading.


====Are Creative Commons works really free to use?====
Yes. While many if not most CC-licensed works are available at no cost, some licensors charge for initial access to CC-licensed works—for example, by publishing CC-licensed content only to subscribers, or by charging for downloads. However, even if you have paid an access charge, once you have a copy of CC-licensed material, you may make any further uses permitted by the license without paying licensing fees.

(If you wish to make uses that are not permitted by the license—for example, making a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F|commercial use]] of an NC-licensed photo—the licensor may charge for those additional rights.)

====What should I know about differences between the international licenses and the ported licenses?====
As a licensee, you should always read and understand the relevant license's legal code before using CC-licensed material, particularly if you are using material that is licensed using a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F|ported license]] with which you are unfamiliar. Our porting process involved adapting the international licenses to the legal framework of different jurisdictions, and in that process slight adjustments may have been made that you should make yourself aware of in advance of using the material. You can find more information about the ported licenses in the [[Jurisdiction Database]].

There are currently no ported versions of 4.0, and we expect there will be few, if any, in the future. All official translations of the 4.0 international licenses are equivalent: you may substitute one for another depending on your preferred language.

However, the ported versions of 3.0 and earlier sometimes contain small differences from the international license depending on the ways in which they have been adapted to their jurisdictions. For example, a handful of the ported licenses contain provisions specifying which laws will apply in the event the licensor chooses to enforce the license, and a few of the ported licenses contain forum selection clauses.

===General license compliance===


====What happens if I want to use the material in a way that is not permitted by the license?====
Contact the rights holders to ask for permission. Otherwise, [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not.2C_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|unless an exception or limitation to copyright applies]], your use of the material may violate the Creative Commons license. If you violate the terms of the license, your rights to use the material will be [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_can_I_lose_my_rights_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F_If_that_happens.2C_how_do_I_get_them_back.3F|automatically terminated]], and you may be liable for copyright infringement.

====Do I always have to comply with the license terms? If not, what are the exceptions?====
You need to comply with the license terms if what you are doing would otherwise require permission from the rights holder. If your use would not require permission from the rights holder because it falls under an exception or limitation, such as fair use, or because the material has come into the public domain, the license does not apply, and you do not need to comply with its terms and conditions. Additionally, if you are using an excerpt small enough to be uncopyrightable, the license does not apply to your use, and you do not need to comply with its terms.

However, if you are using excerpts of CC-licensed material which individually are minimal and do not require license compliance, but together make up a significant copyrightable chunk, you must comply with the license terms. For example, if you quote many individual lines from a poem across several sections of a blog post, and your use is not a fair use, you must comply with the license even though no individual line would have been a substantial enough portion of the work to require this.

===Attribution===


====How do I properly attribute material offered under a Creative Commons license?====
All CC licenses require users to attribute the creator of licensed material, unless the creator has [[#Can_I_waive_license_terms_or_conditions.3F|waived that requirement]], not supplied a name, or [[#What_can_I_do_if_I_offer_my_material_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_I_do_not_like_the_way_someone_uses_it.3F|asked that her name be removed]]. Additionally, you must retain a copyright notice, a link to the license (or to the deed), a license notice, a notice about the disclaimer of warranties, and a URI if reasonable. For versions prior to 4.0, you must also provide the title of the work. (Though it is not a requirement in 4.0, it is still recommended if one is supplied.)

You must also indicate if you have [[License_Versions#Modifications_and_adaptations_must_be_marked_as_such|modified the work]]—for example, if you have taken an excerpt, or cropped a photo. (For versions prior to 4.0, this is only required if you have created an adaptation by contributing your own creative material, but it is recommended even when not required.) It is not necessary to note trivial alterations, such as correcting a typo or changing a font size. Finally, you must retain an indication of previous modifications to the work.

CC licenses have a flexible attribution requirement, so there is not necessarily one correct way to provide attribution. The proper method for giving credit will depend on the medium and means you are using, and may be implemented in any reasonable manner. Additionally, you may satisfy the attribution requirement by providing a link to a place where the attribution information may be found.

While the attribution requirements in the license are the minimum requirement, we always recommend that you [[Marking/Users|follow the best practices]] for the kind of use you are making. For example, if you are using scientific data marked with CC0, you are not required to give attribution at all, but we recommend that you give the same credit you would give to any other source—not because the license requires it, but because that is the standard for letting others know the source of the data.

The CC website offers some [[Marking/Users|best practices]] to help you attribute properly, and the [http://www.creativecommons.org.au/ CC Australia] team has developed a [http://creativecommons.org.au/content/attributingccmaterials.pdf helpful guide to attributing CC-licensed material (.pdf)] in different formats. Note that the attribution and marking requirements vary slightly among license versions. See [[License_Versions#Detailed_attribution_comparison_chart|here for a chart comparing the specific requirements]].


====Do I need to be aware of anything else when providing attribution?====
Yes. You need to be careful not to imply any sponsorship, endorsement, or connection with the licensor or attribution party without their permission. Wrongfully implying that a creator, publisher, or anyone else endorses you or your use of a work may be unlawful. Creative Commons makes the obligation not to imply endorsement explicit in its licenses. In addition, if the licensor of a work [[#What_can_I_do_if_I_offer_my_material_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_I_do_not_like_the_way_someone_uses_it.3F|requests that you remove the identifying credit]], you must do so to the extent practical.

Additionally, when you are using a work that is an adaptation of one or more pre-existing works, you may need to [[Marking/Creators/Marking_third_party_content|give credit to the creator(s) of the pre-existing work(s)]], in addition to giving credit to the creator of the adaptation.

====Do I always have to attribute the creator of the licensed material?====
You must attribute the creator when you provide material to the public by any means that is restricted by copyright or similar rights. If you are using the material personally but are not making it or any adaptations of it available to others, you do not have to attribute the licensor. Similarly, if you are only distributing the material or adaptations of it within your company or organization, you do not have to comply with the attribution requirement. Learn [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not.2C_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|more]] about when compliance with the license is not required.

===Using licensed material===


====Does my use violate the NonCommercial clause of the licenses?====
CC's NonCommercial (NC) licenses prohibit uses that are "primarily intended for or directed toward commercial advantage or monetary compensation." This is intended to capture the intention of the NC-using community without placing detailed restrictions that are either too broad or too narrow. Please note that CC's definition does not turn on the type of user: if you are a nonprofit or charitable organization, your use of an NC-licensed work could still run afoul of the NC restriction, and if you are a for-profit entity, your use of an NC-licensed work does not necessarily mean you have violated the term. Whether a use is commercial will depend on the specifics of the situation and the intentions of the user.

In CC's experience, it is usually relatively easy to determine whether a use is permitted, and known conflicts are relatively few considering the popularity of the NC licenses. However, there will always be uses that are challenging to categorize as commercial or noncommercial. CC cannot advise you on what is and is not commercial use. If you are unsure, you should either contact the rights holder for clarification, or search for works that permit commercial uses.

CC has a [[NonCommercial interpretation|brief guide]] to interpretation of the NC license that goes into more detail about the meaning of the NC license and some key points to pay attention to. Additionally, in 2008, [[Defining_Noncommercial|Creative Commons published results]] from a survey on meanings of commercial and noncommercial use generally. Note that the results of the study are not intended to serve as CC's official interpretation of what is and is not commercial use under our licenses, and the results should not be relied upon as such.

====Can I take a CC-licensed work and use it in a different format?====
Yes. When any of the six CC licenses is applied to material, licensees are granted permission to use the material as the license allows, whatever the media or format chosen by the user when it is used or distributed further. This is true even in our NoDerivatives licenses. This is one of a very few default rules established in our licenses, to harmonize what may be different outcomes depending on where CC-licensed material is reused and what jurisdiction’s copyright law applies.

This means, for example, that even if a creator distributes a work in digital format, you have permission to print and share a hard copy of the same work.


====How do I know if a low-resolution photo and a high-resolution photo are the same work?====
As with most copyright questions, it will depend on applicable law. Generally, to be different works under copyright law, there must be expressive or original choices made that make one work a separate and distinct work from another. The determination depends on the standards for copyright in the relevant jurisdiction.

Under U.S. copyright law, for example, mechanical reproduction of a work into a different format [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridgeman_Art_Library_v._Corel_Corp. is unlikely to create a separate, new work]. Consequently, digitally enhancing or changing the format of a work ''absent some originality'', such as expressive choices made in the enhancement or encoding, will not likely create a separate work for copyright purposes. The creative bar is low, but it is not non-existent. Accordingly, in some jurisdictions releasing a photograph under a CC license will give the public permission to reuse the photograph in a different resolution.

====Can I use effective technological measures (such as DRM) when I share CC-licensed material?====
No. When you receive material under a Creative Commons license, you may not place additional terms and conditions on the reuse of the work. This includes using effective technological measures (ETMs) that would restrict a licensee’s ability to exercise the licensed rights.

A technological measure is considered an ETM if circumventing it carries penalties under laws fulfilling obligations under Article 11 of the WIPO Copyright Treaty adopted on December 20, 1996, or similar international agreements. Generally, this means that the anti-circumvention laws of various jurisdictions would cover attempts to break it.

For example, if you remix a CC-licensed song, and you wish to share it on a music site that places digital copy-restriction on all uploaded files, you may not do this without express permission from the licensor. However, if you upload that same file to your own site or any other site that does not apply DRM to the file, and a listener chooses to stream it through an app that applies DRM, you have not violated the license.

Note that merely converting material into a different format that is difficult to access or is only available for certain platforms does not violate the restriction; you may do this without violating the license terms.

====Can I share CC-licensed material on password-protected sites?====
Yes. This is not considered to be a prohibited measure, so long as the protection is merely limiting who may access the content, and does not restrict the authorized recipients from exercising the licensed rights. For example, you may post material under any CC license on a site restricted to members of a certain school, or to paying customers, but [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_use_effective_technological_measures_.28such_as_DRM.29_when_I_share_CC-licensed_material.3F|you may not place effective technological measures (including DRM) on the files]] that prevents them from sharing the material elsewhere.

(Note that charging for access may not be permitted with NC-licensed material; however, it is not disallowed by the restriction on ETMs.)

====Can I share CC-licensed material on file-sharing networks?====
Yes. All CC licenses allow redistribution of the unmodified material by any means, including distribution via file-sharing networks. Note that file-trading is expressly considered to be noncommercial for purposes of compliance with the NC licenses. Barter of NC-licensed material for other items of value is not permitted.

===Additional restrictions on licensed material===

====What if I received CC-licensed material encumbered with effective technological measures (such as DRM)?====
If you have received material under a CC license that is encumbered with effective technological measures (such as digital rights management or DRM), you may or may not be permitted to break it, depending on the circumstances. By releasing material under a CC license, the licensor agrees not to assert any rights she may have to prevent the circumvention of effective technological measures. (Under the 3.0 and earlier licenses, this is implied but not explicit.) However, if she has uploaded it to a site or other distribution channel that itself applies such measures, that site may have the right to prevent you from breaking them, even though the licensor herself cannot do so.

Note that anti-circumvention laws can impose criminal liability in some jurisdictions.

====What if I have received CC-licensed material with additional restrictions?====
It is possible that CC-licensed material will appear on platforms that impose terms in addition to the copyright license (though [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_enter_into_separate_or_supplemental_agreements_with_users_of_my_work.3F|Creative Commons strongly discourages restrictions that interfere with exercise of the licensed rights]]). These additional terms do not form part of the license for the work. For example, if you download CC-licensed material from a site that does not permit downloading, you may be breaking the terms of use of the site, but you are not infringing the CC license.

===Combining and adapting CC material===

====When is my use considered an adaptation?====
Whether a modification of licensed material is considered an [[#What_is_an_adaptation.3F|adaptation]] for the purpose of CC licenses depends primarily on the applicable copyright law. Copyright law reserves to an original creator the right to create adaptations of the original work. CC licenses that allow for adaptations to be shared—all except BY-ND and BY-NC-ND—grant permission to others to create and redistribute adaptations when doing so would otherwise constitute a violation of applicable copyright law. Generally, a modification rises to the level of an adaptation under copyright law when the modified work is based on the prior work but manifests sufficient new creativity to be copyrightable, such as a translation of a novel from one language to another, or the creation of a screenplay based on a novel.

Under CC licenses, synching music in timed relation with a moving image is always considered an adaptation, whether or not it would be considered so under applicable law. Also, under version 4.0, certain uses of databases restricted by sui generis database rights also constitute adaptations (called "Adapted Material" in the 4.0 licenses), whether or not they would be considered adaptations under copyright law. For more details about adaptations in the database context, see the [[Data|Data FAQ]].

Note that all CC licenses allow the user to exercise the rights permitted under the license [[#Can_I_take_a_CC-licensed_work_and_use_it_in_a_different_format.3F|in any format or medium]]. Those changes are not considered adaptations even if applicable law would suggest otherwise. For example, you may redistribute a book that uses the CC [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ BY-NC-ND] license in print form when it was originally distributed online, even if you have had to make formatting changes to do so, as long as you do so in compliance with the other terms of the license.

'''''Note on terminology: throughout these FAQs, we use the term "remix" interchangeably with “adapt.” Both are designed to mean doing something that constitutes an [[FAQ#What_is_an_adaptation.3F|adaptation under copyright law]].'''''




====Can I combine material under different Creative Commons licenses in my work?====
It depends. The first question to ask is whether doing so constitutes an [[FAQ#When_is_my_use_considered_an_adaptation.3F|adaptation.]] If the combination does '''''not''''' create an adaptation, then you may combine any CC-licensed content so long as you provide attribution and comply with the NonCommercial restriction if it applies. If you want to combine material in a way that results in the creation of an adaptation (i.e. a “remix”), then you must pay attention to the particular license that applies to the content you want to combine.

The NoDerivatives licenses do not permit remixing except for private use (the pre-4.0 licenses do not permit remixing at all, except as allowed by exceptions and limitations to copyright). All the other CC licenses allow remixes, but may impose limitations or conditions on how the remix may be used. For example, if you create a remix with material licensed under a ShareAlike license, you need to make sure that all of the material contributed to the remix is licensed under the same license or [http://creativecommons.org/compatiblelicenses one that CC has named as compatible], and you must [[Marking/Users|properly credit all of the sources]] with the [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_do_I_properly_attribute_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F|required attribution]] and license information. Similarly, if you want to use a remix for [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F|commercial purposes]], you cannot incorporate material released under one of the NonCommercial licenses.

The chart below shows which CC-licensed material can be remixed. To use the chart, find a license on the left column and on the top right row. If there is a check mark in the box where that row and column intersect, then the works can be remixed. If there is an “X” in the box, then the works may not be remixed unless an exception or limitation applies. See [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#If_I_derive_or_adapt_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.2C_which_CC_license.28s.29_can_I_use.3F|below for details on how remixes may be licensed]].

[[File:CC_License_Compatibility_Chart.png|thumb|center|800px|alt=Creative Commons License Compatibility Chart|]]




====If I derive or adapt material offered under a Creative Commons license, which CC license(s) can I use?====
If you make [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#When_is_my_use_considered_an_adaptation.3F|adaptations]] of material under a CC license (i.e. "remix"), the original CC license always applies to the material you are adapting even once adapted. The license you may choose for your own contribution (called your "adapter's license") depends on which license applies to the original material. Recipients of the adaptation must comply with both the CC license on the original and your adapter’s license.

:=====BY and BY-NC material=====
When remixing BY or BY-NC material, it is generally recommended that your adapter's license include at least the same license elements as the license applied to the original material. This eases reuse for downstream users because they are able to satisfy both licenses by complying with the adapter's license. For example, if you adapt material licensed under BY-NC, your adapter's license should also contain the NC restriction. See the chart below for more details.

:=====BY-SA and BY-NC-SA material=====
In general, when remixing ShareAlike content, your adapter's license must be the same license as the license on the material you are adapting. All licenses after version 1.0 also allow you to license your contributions under a later version of the same license, and some also allow ported licenses. (See the [[License_Versions#Compatibility_mechanism_in_BY-SA_licenses|license versions page]] for details.) If you wish to adapt material under BY-SA or BY-NC-SA and release your contributions under a non-CC license, you should visit the [http://creativecommons.org/compatiblelicenses Compatibility page] to see which options are allowed. Currently, no non-CC licenses are listed as compatible.

:=====BY-ND and BY-NC-ND material=====
The BY-ND and BY-NC-ND licenses do not permit distribution of adaptations (also known as remixes or derivative works), and prohibits the creation of adaptations under the pre-4.0 versions of those licenses. Since you may not share remixes of these materials at all, there is no compatibility with other licenses. (Note that the ND licenses do allow you to reproduce the material in unmodified form together with other material in a collection, as indicated in the next FAQ.)

:=====Adapter's license chart=====
The chart below details the CC license(s) you may use as your adapter's license. When creating an adaptation of material under the license identified in the lefthand column, you may license your contributions to the adaptation under one of the licenses indicated on the top row if the corresponding box is green. CC does not recommend using a license if the corresponding box is yellow, although doing so is technically permitted by the terms of the license. If you do, you should take additional care to mark the adaptation as involving multiple copyrights under different terms so that downstream users are aware of their obligations to comply with the licenses from all rights holders. Dark gray boxes indicate those licenses that you may not use as your adapter's license.

{| style="width:600px;" border="1" cellpadding="10" class="wiki_table"
|-
| colspan="2" rowspan="2" | '''Adapter's license chart'''
| colspan="7" align="center" | Adapter's license
|-
| BY || BY-NC || BY-NC-ND || BY-NC-SA || BY-ND || BY-SA || PD
|-
| rowspan="7" style="width:12ex;" | Status of original work
| PD || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:yellow;" |  
|-
| BY-NC || style="background-color:yellow;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:yellow;" |   || style="background-color:yellow;" |   || style="background-color:yellow;" |  
|-
| BY-NC-ND || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |  
|-
| BY-NC-SA || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |  
|-
| BY-ND || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |  
|-
| BY-SA || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |  
|-
|}
{| style="width:600px;" border="1" cellpadding="10"
|-
| Abbreviation Key
*BY = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Attribution only]
*BY-ND = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Attribution-NoDerivatives]
*BY-NC-ND = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Attribution-NonCommercial- NoDerivatives]
*BY-NC = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Attribution-NonCommercial]
*BY-NC-SA = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ Attribution-NonCommercial- ShareAlike]
*BY-SA = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ Attribution-ShareAlike]
*PD = Dedicated to or marked as being in the public domain via one of our [http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain public domain tools], or other public domain material; adaptations of materials in the public domain may be built upon and licensed by the creator under any license terms desired.
|-
|}



====If I create a collection that includes a work offered under a CC license, which license(s) may I choose for the collection?====
All Creative Commons licenses (including the version 4.0 licenses) allow licensed material to be included in collections such as anthologies, encyclopedias, and broadcasts. You may choose a license for the collection, however this does not change the license applicable to the original material.

When you include CC-licensed content in a collection, you still must adhere to the license conditions governing your use of the material incorporated. For example, material under any of the Creative Commons NonCommercial licenses cannot be used [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F|commercially]]. The table below indicates what type of CC-licensed works you may incorporate into collections licensed for commercial and noncommercial uses.

{| style="width:400px;" border="1" cellpadding="10" class="wiki_table"
|-
| Original Work ||Commercial Collection (BY, BY-SA, BY-ND) || NonCommercial Collection (BY-NC, BY-NC-SA, BY-NC-ND)
|-
| PD || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-NC ||   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-NC-ND ||   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-NC-SA ||   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-ND || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-SA || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
|}

===License termination===
==== When do Creative Commons licenses expire? ====
Creative Commons licenses expire when the underlying copyright and similar rights expire.

Note that the relevant rights may expire at different times. For example, you may have a CC-licensed song where the rights in the musical arrangement expire before the rights in the lyrics. In this case, when the copyright in the music expires, you may use it [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not.2C_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|without being required to comply with the conditions of the CC license]]; however, you must still comply with the license if you use the lyrics.

====What happens if the author decides to revoke the CC license to material I am using?====
The CC licenses are irrevocable. This means that once you receive material under a CC license, you will always have the right to use it under those license terms, even if the licensor changes his or her mind and stops distributing under the CC license terms. Of course, you may choose to respect the licensor’s wishes and stop using the work.

====How can I lose my rights under a Creative Commons license? If that happens, how do I get them back?====
All of the CC licenses terminate if you fail to follow the license conditions. If this happens, you no longer have a license to use the material.

In the 4.0 licenses, your rights under the license are automatically reinstated if you correct this failure within 30 days of discovering the violation (either on your own or because the licensor or someone else has told you). Under the 3.0 and earlier licenses, there is no automatic reinstatement.

If you have lost your rights under a CC license and are not entitled to automatic reinstatement, you may regain your rights under the license if the licensor expressly grants you permission. You cannot simply re-download the material to get a new license.

Note that you may still be liable for damages for copyright infringement for the period where you were not in compliance with the license.

==Technical Questions==


====How do Creative Commons licenses and public domain tools work technically?====

The Creative Commons licenses have [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ three layers], as does the [http://creativecommons.org/about/cc0 CC0 public domain dedication]: the human-readable deed, the lawyer-readable legal code, and the machine-readable metadata. The [http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/ Public Domain Mark] is not legally operative, and so has only two layers: the human-readable mark and machine-readable metadata.

When material is licensed using any of the CC licenses or tools, it is highly recommended that a [http://creativecommons.org/about/downloads CC button], text, or other marker somehow accompany it. There are many possible modes for marking. For our licenses, people generally use the [http://creativecommons.org/choose CC license chooser] to generate HTML code that can be pasted into the webpage where the licensed material is published. CC0 and the Public Domain Mark have a separate [http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/ chooser]. Many platforms and web services such as [http://www.flickr.com Flickr] and [[Drupal]] support CC licensing directly, allowing you to select an appropriate license. The service then properly marks the work for you.

CC has published some best practices for [[Marking/Creators|marking]] your CC-licensed material, and recommends:

*Including a visual indicator (some combination of text and images) that the work is licensed with one of the CC licenses.
*Clearly indicating what material is covered under the CC license, especially if it's presented alongside non-licensed materials.
*Including a link to the human-readable deed (which itself contains a link to the legal code).
*Embedding [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_does_it_mean_that_Creative_Commons_licenses_are_.22machine_readable.22.3F|machine-readable]] metadata in the code of the license indicator or code of the licensed page.

'''See the [[Marking/Creators|marking]] page for more details.'''

====What does it mean that Creative Commons licenses are "machine-readable"?====

Creative Commons has [[CC REL|specified CC REL]] as a way to associate machine-readable licensing metadata with objects offered under CC licenses.

Before Creative Commons developed this vocabulary, it was difficult for a machine to ascertain whether an object was marked with a CC license. There was also no standard, predictable place to house metadata about that license (for example, the source URL of the work or the required mode of attribution).

Machine-readable metadata based on well-accepted metadata standards creates a platform upon which new services and applications can be built. Software and services can detect CC licenses and the details of that license, as described by the metadata. For example, on many websites and search engines such as Google and Flickr, you can run filtered searches for works offered under specific CC licenses. In addition, CC license deeds can automatically create copy-and-paste attribution code so users may easily comply with the BY condition of the licenses. When you click on a CC license or [http://creativecommons.org/about/downloads button] from a page with license metadata, you get copy-and-paste attribution HTML within that license deed page. That HTML is based on available RDFa metadata in the original material.

All HTML provided by the [http://creativecommons.org/choose CC license chooser] is automatically annotated with [[metadata]] in [[RDFa]] format.



====What is RDFa?====

[[RDFa]] is a method for embedding structured data in a web page. For more information about RDFa, see the following resources:

* [http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml-rdfa-primer/ RDFa Primer]: Bridging the Human and Data Webs
* [http://rdfa.info/ RDFa.info]
* [http://rdfa.info/wiki RDFa Wiki]


====What is CC REL and why does Creative Commons recommend it?====

[http://wiki.creativecommons.org/CC_REL Creative Commons Rights Expression Language] (CC REL) renders information about licenses and works machine-readable through standards that define the semantic web. Creative Commons wants to make it easy for creators and scientists to build upon the works of others when they choose; licensing your work for reuse and ﬁnding properly licensed works to reuse should be easy. CC recommends that you mark your licensed works with CC REL. The Creative Commons license chooser provides HTML annotated with CC REL, while the Creative Commons deeds recognize CC REL on web pages with works offered under a CC license, and use this metadata to enhance the deed for properly marked-up works, e.g., by providing copy and paste HTML that includes work attribution.

For more background information on CC REL, please refer to this [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/images/d/d6/Ccrel-1.0.pdf paper].

====What does it mean for a search engine to be CC-enabled?====

Some search engines (like [http://www.google.com/advanced_search?hl=en Google]) allow people to filter their search results by usage rights so that you can limit your search results according to the particular CC license you seek. For example, if you are looking for a photo to adapt, you can filter your search to return photos that have a CC license that permits creation of adaptations. You can generally find this search feature on the advanced search page of your selected search engine. You can also use [http://search.creativecommons.org CC Search], which offers a convenient interface to search and a list of those content providers that support searches for content based on usage rights.

Please note, however, that you should always double check to make sure that the work you locate through a search is licensed as you wish.




====How do I give users of my site the option to use CC licensing like Flickr does?====

Creative Commons provides tools for integrating license selection with your site. You can find an overview at the Web Integration article on the [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Web_Integration CC wiki]. The [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Partner_Interface Partner Interface] is a good way to get started and will always have the most up-to-date license versions and translations. However, there is also an [http://api.creativecommons.org/docs/ API] available if you want more control.

====How can I change or remove the Creative Commons search option built into the Firefox browser?====

Mozilla has included the Creative Commons search function in many versions of Firefox along with search options for Google, Amazon, and other popular sites. Please take a look at the [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Firefox_and_CC_Search Firefox article on the CC wiki] for an explanation of how to change these features.

If you want to add or remove a particular search option, click on the logo in the search box (for example, the CC logo or the Google logo). This will open the pull down menu, which will allow you to select different search providers. If you choose “Manage Search Engines,” you will be able to add or remove search engines. You can also alter the order in which the search providers appear on the pull down menu.

====Is Creative Commons involved in digital rights management (DRM)?====

No. CC licenses are a form of rights expression, not rights management. CC provides tools to make it easier for creators and owners to say which rights they reserve and permissions they grant. This is different from digital rights management (or “DRM”), which uses technological protection measures to prevent people from using the work in a way that the owner has not permitted.

CC licenses contain language prohibiting licensees from the use of effective technological measures (including DRM) to prevent access to licensed material: ”You may not offer or impose any additional or different terms or conditions on, or apply any Effective Technological Measures to, the Licensed Material if doing so restricts exercise of the Licensed Rights by any such recipient.”

While licensors may apply effective technological measures (ETMs) to their own materials, the licensor provides a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_if_I_received_CC-licensed_material_encumbered_with_effective_technological_measures_.28such_as_DRM.29.3F|limited permission to circumvent these measures]]: “The Licensor waives and/or agrees not to assert any right or authority to forbid You from making technical modifications necessary to exercise the Licensed Rights, including technical modifications necessary to circumvent Effective Technological Measures.” Note that this only applies to effective technological measures applied by licensors themselves: third parties such as distribution platforms may still apply ETMs if the licensor uploads there, and the license is not able to grant you permission to circumvent it.

==Legal Background==

====What is copyright and why does it matter?====

Copyright law grants exclusive rights to creators of original works of authorship. National laws usually extend protections to such works automatically once fixed in a tangible medium, prohibiting the making of copies without the rights holder’s permission, among other things. On the internet, even the most basic activities involve making copies of copyrighted content. As content is increasingly uploaded, downloaded, and shared online, copyright law is becoming more relevant to more people than it was 20 years ago. Unfortunately, infringing copyrights—even unintentionally or unknowingly—can lead to liability. Successful navigation of the internet requires some understanding of copyright law.

====What is the public domain?====

The public domain of copyright refers to the aggregate of those works that are not restricted by copyright within a given jurisdiction. A work may be part of the public domain because the applicable term of copyright has expired, because the rights holder surrendered copyright in the work with a tool like [http://creativecommons.org/about/cc0 CC0], or because the work did not meet the applicable standards for copyrightability.

Because the public domain depends on the copyright laws in force within a particular territory, sometimes a work may be considered “in the public domain” of one jurisdiction, but not in another. For example, [http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#105 U.S. government works are automatically in the public domain under U.S. copyright law], but might be restricted by copyright in other countries.

The [http://publicdomainmanifesto.org/ Public Domain Manifesto], the [http://fairuse.stanford.edu/Copyright_and_Fair_Use_Overview/chapter8/Stanford University Libraries] page, and the [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/CC0_FAQ CC0 FAQs] all contain additional information about the public domain.






====What do I need to do to get a copyright?====

Copyright in most jurisdictions attaches automatically without need for any formality once a creative work is fixed in tangible form (i.e. the minute you put pen to paper, take a photo, or hit the “save” button on your computer).

In some jurisdictions, creators may be required to register with a national agency in order to enforce copyright in court. If you would like more information, please consult the [http://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ip/berne/trtdocs_wo001.html Berne Convention] or [http://www.wipo.int/clea/en/ your jurisdiction's copyright law].

Although you do not have to apply a copyright notice for your work to be protected, it may be a useful tool to clearly signal to people that the work is yours. It also tells the public who to contact about the work.


====What is an adaptation?====

An adaptation is a work based on one or more pre-existing works. What constitutes an adaptation depends on applicable law, however translating a work from one language to another or creating a film version of a novel are generally considered adaptations.

In order for an adaptation to be protected by copyright, most national laws require the creator of the adaptation to add original expression to the pre-existing work. However, there is no international standard for originality, and the definition differs depending on the jurisdiction. Civil law jurisdictions (such as [http://www.wipo.int/clea/en/text_html.jsp?lang=EN&id=1034 Germany] and [http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/html/codes_traduits/cpialtext.htm France]) tend to require that the work contain an imprint of the adapter's personality. Common law jurisdictions (such as the [http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#103 U.S.] or [http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/C-42/index.html Canada]), on the other hand, tend to have a lower threshold for originality, requiring only a minimal level of creativity and “independent conception.” Some countries approach originality completely differently. For example, [http://www.wipo.int/clea/en/text_html.jsp?lang=EN&id=514 Brazil's] copyright code protects all works of the mind that do not fall within the list of works that are expressly defined in the statue as “unprotected works.” Consult [http://www.wipo.int/clea/en/ your jurisdiction's copyright law] for more information.



====What are moral rights?====

Copyright laws in many jurisdictions around the world grant creators “moral rights” in addition to the economic or commercial right to exploit their creative works. Moral rights protect the personal and reputational value of a work for its creator. Moral rights differ by country, and can include the right of attribution, the right to have a work published anonymously or pseudonymously, and/or the right to the integrity of the work. The moral right of integrity may provide creators with a source for redress if an adaptation represents derogatory treatment of their work, typically defined as “distortion or mutilation” of the work or treatment that is “prejudicial to the honor, or reputation of the author.” Not all jurisdictions provide for moral rights.

The CC licenses are intended to minimize the effect of moral rights on a licensee’s ability to use licensed material; however, in some jurisdictions, these rights may still have an effect. CC offers some additional information on [[#How_do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_my_moral_rights.2C_if_at_all.3F |how CC licenses may affect your moral rights]].

====What are neighboring rights?====

Copyright provides an incentive to create works by providing exclusive rights to creators. However, the distribution or exploitation of a work often involves more than just the creator. For example, if someone writes a song, someone else may perform the song, and another may produce the recording of the song. Some jurisdictions extend copyright to the contributions made by these persons; other jurisdictions extend such exclusive rights in the form of neighboring rights. Neighboring rights may include performers' rights or broadcasters' rights, among others. The [http://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ip/rome/summary_rome.html Rome Convention] sets forth some guidelines on the scope of neighboring rights. Not all jurisdictions recognize neighboring rights.

====What are sui generis database rights?====

Sui generis database rights grant qualifying database makers the right to prohibit the extraction and reuse of a substantial portion of a database. The rights are granted to database makers that make a substantial investment of time and resources to create the database. Sui generis database rights are primarily enacted within the European Union and a handful of other jurisdictions.

====What are collecting societies?====

[http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Version_3#International_Harmonization_.E2.80.94_Collecting_Societies Collecting societies] are copyright management organizations. Some examples of collecting societies include ASCAP and BMI (United States), BUMA/STEMRA (Netherlands), PRS (United Kingdom), and APRA (Australia). These societies license works on behalf of their owners and process royalty payments from parties using the copyrighted works.

CC offers additional information on [[#Can_I_use_a_Creative_Commons_license_if_I_am_a_member_of_a_collecting_society.3F | how collecting societies might affect your rights and your ability to apply CC licenses to your work]]. CC has several [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Collecting_Society_Projects pilots] underway with collecting societies that have chosen to allow their members to use CC licenses on a limited basis.



====What are publicity, personality, and privacy rights?====

These terms are used differently in different jurisdictions. Generally speaking, these rights allow individuals to control the use of their voice, image, likeness, or other identifiable aspect of their identity, especially for purposes of commercial exploitation. Similarly, in some jurisdictions these rights allow people to restrict others' ability to publish information about them without their permission. Whether and to what extent these rights exist, and if so, how they are labeled, varies depending on the jurisdiction.

[[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_are_publicity.2C_privacy.2C_and_personality_rights_affected_when_I_apply_a_CC_license.3F|Creative Commons licenses have a limited effect on these rights]] where the licensor holds them. Where the licensor has publicity, personality, or privacy rights that may affect your ability to use the material as the license intends, the licensor agrees to waive or not assert those rights. However, any such rights not held by the licensor are not affected and may still affect your desired use of a licensed work. If you have created a work or wish to use a work that might in some way implicate these rights, you may need to obtain permission from the individuals whose rights may be affected.

===Data===
{{:Data}}

[[Category:FAQ]]

NonCommercial interpretation

2014-09-12T21:22:57Z

Kat Walsh: additional clarification

{{infobox|
'''THIS PAGE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. CREATIVE COMMONS DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR REPRESENTATION. CONSULT YOUR OWN LEGAL COUNSEL FOR LEGAL ADVICE.'''}}

==The NonCommercial license element==

The NonCommercial (“NC”) element is found in three of the six CC licenses: BY-NC, BY-NC-SA, and BY-NC-ND. In each of these licenses, NonCommercial is expressly defined as follows:

<center>''“NonCommercial means not primarily intended for or directed towards commercial advantage or monetary compensation.”''</center>

The definition is intent-based and intentionally flexible in recognition of the many possible factual situations and business models that may exist now or develop later. Clear-cut rules exist even though there may be gray areas, and debates have ensued over its interpretation. In practice, the number of actual conflicts between licensors and licensees over its meaning appear to be few. <ref>This conclusion is borne out by the [[Defining Noncommercial]] Study.</ref>

This page sets forth fundamentals of how the definition of NonCommercial operates and should be interpreted from CC’s perspective as the steward of the CC license suite. We provide some key points to consider before choosing an NC license for your own work or before using an NC-licensed work.

==NonCommercial explained==

Creative Commons NC licenses expressly define NonCommercial as “not primarily intended for or directed towards commercial advantage or monetary compensation.” <ref>“Private” (formerly preceding “monetary compensation”) was removed in version 4.0. This change did not alter the meaning but instead removed an irrelevant and potentially confusing term. It is the only change made in version 4.0 to the definition among all versions of the CC NonCommercial licenses.</ref> The inclusion of “primarily” in the definition recognizes that no activity is completely disconnected from commercial activity; it is only the primary purpose of the reuse that needs to be considered.

The definition of NonCommercial is intentionally flexible; the definition is specific enough to make its intended operation and reach clear, but versatile enough to cover a wide variety of use cases. Narrowly or exhaustively attempting to prescribe every permitted and prohibited activity is an impossible task and, in Creative Commons’ judgment, an ill-advised one. Thus, the definition sets out a principle for determining what uses do and do not qualify, but does not list specific use cases (aside from peer-to-peer file sharing). <ref>This use case, which has remained essentially unchanged across all license versions, provides that the exchange of an NC-licensed work for another copyrighted work via peer-to-peer file sharing networks or otherwise is not a violation of the NC term provided no compensation changes hands.</ref>

==Key points about the NonCommercial licenses==
'''The NonCommercial limitation applies to licensed uses only and does not restrict use by the licensor.'''

As with all CC licenses, the NC licenses only restrict what a reuser may do under the license and not what the licensor (rights holder) can do. Licensors that make their works available under an NC license are always free to monetize their works.

'''NonCommercial turns on the use, not the identity of the reuser.'''

The definition of NonCommercial depends on the primary purpose for which the work is used, not on the category or class of reuser. <ref>There are likely more uses that nonprofit entities can make of an NC-licensed work and not be viewed as violating the NC term, but any interpretation of NonCommercial that assumes all uses by for-profit entities are automatically commercial conflicts with the plain language of the definition.</ref> Specifically, a reuser need not be in education, in government, an individual, or a recognized charity/nonprofit in the relevant jurisdiction in order to use an NC-licensed work. A reuser that is not obviously noncommercial in nature may use NC-licensed content if its use is NonCommercial in accordance with the definition. The context and purpose of the use is relevant when making the determination, but no class of reuser is per se permitted or excluded from using an NC-licensed work.

'''Reusers may make NonCommercial uses only, even when reusing NC material with other works.'''

The NC licenses limit reusers to NonCommercial uses of the work only, which includes when the work is used in a collection or when it is adapted. For example, an NC essay may not be included as part of a collection in a commercially distributed book of essays, even if it is only a small portion of the book. For an example of an adaptation, an NC song may be used as the basis for a video where the visual elements are under a different license such as the BY license. When the music video is distributed as a whole, it may not be used commercially because of the NC license of the song.

'''The NonCommercial term does not limit uses otherwise allowed by limitations and exceptions to copyright.'''

Nothing in the NC licenses (or any CC license) controls or conditions uses—even commercial uses—covered by an exception or limitation to copyright or similar rights, or otherwise controls any activity for which no permission under such rights is required. For example, a person may commercially use an NC-licensed work for purposes of criticism in jurisdictions where this is a fair use or otherwise covered by an exception to copyright. Similarly, because posting a link to a work does not require permission under copyright, a for-profit university may still include a link to NC-licensed courseware in a syllabus or on its paywalled website. In such cases, the CC license never comes into play and the NC restriction (and other limitations or conditions contained in the license) may be disregarded.

'''Explanations of NC do not modify the CC license.'''

Some licensors or website providers state expectations or interpretations about what NC means. Those explanations never form part of the CC license, even if included in terms of service or another resource designed to contractually bind reusers. CC strongly discourages the practice when such statements carve back (rather than expand) on reuses allowed by the NC definition or contradict the plain meaning of the licenses. When those statements are intended to bind reusers or to modify the CC license, no CC trademarks may be associated with either the work or the terms under which it is offered. For more information about CC’s license modification policy, visit [[Modifying_the_CC_licenses|this page]].

'''The NonCommercial license is non-exclusive.'''

Like all CC licenses, the NC licenses are non-exclusive. This means that an NC licensor is free to offer the material under other terms, including on commercial terms. A frequently discussed use case for the NC licenses is a creator who wishes to allow NonCommercial use but also authorizes commercial uses in exchange for payment. (Additional permissions such as this may always be offered; licensors may also use our [[CCPlus|CC+ protocol]] to offer these in a standardized manner.) Also, licensees are always free to contact licensors to ask permission to use the work for commercial purposes.

'''For a given work, permitted NC uses may still be restricted due to non-copyright rights.'''

Even if a use is NonCommercial for purposes of the CC license, it may still not be permitted because of other rights that prevent that particular use of the work. For example, a use that is otherwise NonCommercial could violate the publicity or personality rights of an individual featured in the work.

==Choosing NC for Your Work==

Before opting to use an NC license for your work, consider the following:

* The NC licenses may not permit some uses of your work that you would like others to make. For example, not all educational uses are necessarily NonCommercial uses, so your use of an NC license may preclude use of your work in some educational contexts.
* The NC licenses may not be compatible for remixing with many works. For example, a person may not remix BY-SA content (such as Wikipedia content) with BY-NC content. For more information, please see the [[FAQ#If_I_derive_or_adapt_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.2C_which_CC_license.28s.29_can_I_use.3F|FAQ entry and chart]].
* Consider whether you have a commercial licensing stream -- or expect to have such a licensing stream -- that you want to protect, and whether the NC limitation accomplishes your goals. The NC licenses may not adequately protect that stream or other uses that you wish to restrict. For example, NC licensing does not stop commercial uses covered by limitations and exceptions (such as fair uses), and even noncommercial uses could affect the commercial market for your work.
* NC licenses may not be permitted under policies of institutions or publications you wish to create content for, or in line with the terms of grants that fund your work. Similarly, consider whether your publisher or any collecting society of which you are a member allows you to use a NonCommercial license, if any CC license at all, and how that affects your ability to collect royalties for commercial uses of your work. Keep in mind that CC’s definition of NonCommercial may differ from the definition used by your publisher or collecting society, so even if you can license your work for noncommercial purposes you may not be able to use CC’s NC licenses.
* Policymakers may wish to consider reasons supporting the use of a less restrictive license (such as BY) or the public domain (CC0) for publicly funded materials, and promote those options. The [http://openpolicynetwork.org Open Policy Network] provides [http://openpolicynetwork.org/resources/ resources] with more information for finding out who uses these policies, and why.
* NC licenses do not qualify as “open licenses” under the [http://opendefinition.org/ Open Definition], and works licensed under an NC license are not considered [http://freedomdefined.org/Definition Free Cultural Works]. This may be important if you want others to further distribute your work on Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, or other platforms requiring a license that meets the Open Definition or the Definition of Free Cultural Works.

{{infobox|Disclaimer: '''THIS PAGE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. CREATIVE COMMONS DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR REPRESENTATION. CONSULT YOUR OWN LEGAL COUNSEL FOR LEGAL ADVICE.'''}}

==Footnotes==

Legal Tools Translation/4.0/Castellano

2014-09-09T21:53:13Z

Kat Walsh: Created page with "{{4.0 Translation |jurisdictions=Chile, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela |coordinationplan=The team involved in the translation process was formed from a CC latam list that includes al..."

NonCommercial interpretation

2014-09-04T23:53:20Z

Kat Walsh: edit based on Jane's comments

{{infobox|
'''THIS PAGE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. CREATIVE COMMONS DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR REPRESENTATION. CONSULT YOUR OWN LEGAL COUNSEL FOR LEGAL ADVICE.'''}}

==The NonCommercial license element==

The NonCommercial (“NC”) element is found in three of the six CC licenses: BY-NC, BY-NC-SA, and BY-NC-ND. In each of these licenses, NonCommercial is expressly defined as follows:

<center>''“NonCommercial means not primarily intended for or directed towards commercial advantage or monetary compensation.”''</center>

The definition is intent-based and intentionally flexible in recognition of the many possible factual situations and business models that may exist now or develop later. Clear-cut rules exist even though there may be gray areas, and debates have ensued over its interpretation. In practice, the number of actual conflicts between licensors and licensees over its meaning appear to be few. <ref>This conclusion is borne out by the [[Defining Noncommercial]] Study.</ref>

This page sets forth fundamentals of how the definition of NonCommercial operates and should be interpreted from CC’s perspective as the steward of the CC license suite. We provide some key points to consider before choosing an NC license for your own work or before using an NC-licensed work.

==NonCommercial explained==

Creative Commons NC licenses expressly define NonCommercial as “not primarily intended for or directed towards commercial advantage or monetary compensation.” <ref>“Private” (formerly preceding “monetary compensation”) was removed in version 4.0. This change did not alter the meaning but instead removed an irrelevant and potentially confusing term. It is the only change made in version 4.0 to the definition among all versions of the CC NonCommercial licenses.</ref> The inclusion of “primarily” in the definition recognizes that no activity is completely disconnected from commercial activity; it is only the primary purpose of the reuse that needs to be considered.

The definition of NonCommercial is intentionally flexible; the definition is specific enough to make its intended operation and reach clear, but versatile enough to cover a wide variety of use cases. Narrowly or exhaustively attempting to prescribe every permitted and prohibited activity is an impossible task and, in Creative Commons’ judgment, an ill-advised one. Thus, the definition sets out a principle for determining what uses do and do not qualify, but does not list specific use cases (aside from peer-to-peer file sharing). <ref>This use case, which has remained essentially unchanged across all license versions, provides that the exchange of an NC-licensed work for another copyrighted work via peer-to-peer file sharing networks or otherwise is not a violation of the NC term provided no compensation changes hands.</ref>

==Key points about the NonCommercial licenses==
'''The NonCommercial limitation applies to licensed uses only and does not restrict use by the licensor.'''

As with all CC licenses, the NC licenses only restrict what a reuser may do under the license and not what the licensor (rights holder) can do. Licensors that make their works available under an NC license are always free to monetize their works.

'''NonCommercial turns on the use, not the identity of the reuser.'''

The definition of NonCommercial depends on the primary purpose for which the work is used, not on the category or class of reuser. <ref>There are likely more uses that nonprofit entities can make of an NC-licensed work and not be viewed as violating the NC term, but any interpretation of NonCommercial that assumes all uses by for-profit entities are automatically commercial conflicts with the plain language of the definition.</ref> Specifically, a reuser need not be in education, in government, an individual, or a recognized charity/nonprofit in the relevant jurisdiction in order to use an NC-licensed work. A reuser that is not obviously noncommercial in nature may use NC-licensed content if its use is NonCommercial in accordance with the definition. The context and purpose of the use is relevant when making the determination, but no class of reuser is per se permitted or excluded from using an NC-licensed work.

'''Reusers may make NonCommercial uses only, even when reusing NC material with other works.'''

The NC licenses limit reusers to NonCommercial uses of the work only, which includes when the work is used in a collection or when it is adapted.

'''The NonCommercial term does not limit uses otherwise allowed by limitations and exceptions to copyright.'''

Nothing in the NC licenses (or any CC license) controls or conditions uses—even commercial uses—covered by an exception or limitation to copyright or similar rights, or otherwise controls any activity for which no permission under such rights is required. For example, a person may commercially use an NC-licensed work for purposes of criticism in jurisdictions where this is a fair use or otherwise covered by an exception to copyright. Similarly, because posting a link to a work does not require permission under copyright, a for-profit university may still include a link to NC-licensed courseware in a syllabus or on its paywalled website. In such cases, the CC license never comes into play and the NC restriction (and other limitations or conditions contained in the license) may be disregarded.

'''Explanations of NC do not modify the CC license.'''

Some licensors or website providers state expectations or interpretations about what NC means. Those explanations never form part of the CC license, even if included in terms of service or another resource designed to contractually bind reusers. CC strongly discourages the practice when such statements carve back (rather than expand) on reuses allowed by the NC definition or contradict the plain meaning of the licenses. When those statements are intended to bind reusers or to modify the CC license, no CC trademarks may be associated with either the work or the terms under which it is offered. For more information about CC’s license modification policy, visit [[Modifying_the_CC_licenses|this page]].

'''The NonCommercial license is non-exclusive.'''

Like all CC licenses, the NC licenses are non-exclusive. This means that an NC licensor is free to offer the material under other terms, including on commercial terms. A frequently discussed use case for the NC licenses is a creator who wishes to allow NonCommercial use but also authorizes commercial uses in exchange for payment. (Additional permissions such as this may always be offered; licensors may also use our [[CCPlus|CC+ protocol]] to offer these in a standardized manner.) Also, licensees are always free to contact licensors to ask permission to use the work for commercial purposes.

'''For a given work, permitted NC uses may still be restricted due to non-copyright rights.'''

Even if a use is NonCommercial for purposes of the CC license, it may still not be permitted because of other rights that prevent that particular use of the work. For example, a use that is otherwise NonCommercial could violate the publicity or personality rights of an individual featured in the work.

==Choosing NC for Your Work==

Before opting to use an NC license for your work, consider the following:

* The NC licenses may not permit some uses of your work that you would like others to make. For example, not all educational uses are necessarily NonCommercial uses, so your use of an NC license may preclude use of your work in some educational contexts.
* The NC licenses may not be compatible for remixing with many works. For example, a person may not remix BY-SA content (such as Wikipedia content) with BY-NC content. For more information, please see the [[FAQ#If_I_derive_or_adapt_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.2C_which_CC_license.28s.29_can_I_use.3F|FAQ entry and chart]].
* Consider whether you have a commercial licensing stream -- or expect to have such a licensing stream -- that you want to protect, and whether the NC limitation accomplishes your goals. The NC licenses may not adequately protect that stream or other uses that you wish to restrict. For example, NC licensing does not stop commercial uses covered by limitations and exceptions (such as fair uses), and even noncommercial uses could affect the commercial market for your work.
* NC licenses may not be permitted under policies of institutions or publications you wish to create content for, or in line with the terms of grants that fund your work. Similarly, consider whether your publisher or any collecting society of which you are a member allows you to use a NonCommercial license, if any CC license at all, and how that affects your ability to collect royalties for commercial uses of your work. Keep in mind that CC’s definition of NonCommercial may differ from the definition used by your publisher or collecting society, so even if you can license your work for noncommercial purposes you may not be able to use CC’s NC licenses.
* Policymakers may wish to consider reasons supporting the use of a less restrictive license (such as BY) or the public domain (CC0) for publicly funded materials, and promote those options. The [http://openpolicynetwork.org Open Policy Network] provides [http://openpolicynetwork.org/resources/ resources] with more information for finding out who uses these policies, and why.
* NC licenses do not qualify as “open licenses” under the [http://opendefinition.org/ Open Definition], and works licensed under an NC license are not considered [http://freedomdefined.org/Definition Free Cultural Works]. This may be important if you want others to further distribute your work on Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, or other platforms requiring a license that meets the Open Definition or the Definition of Free Cultural Works.

{{infobox|Disclaimer: '''THIS PAGE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. CREATIVE COMMONS DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR REPRESENTATION. CONSULT YOUR OWN LEGAL COUNSEL FOR LEGAL ADVICE.'''}}

==Footnotes==

NonCommercial interpretation

2014-09-03T18:29:51Z

Kat Walsh: more formatting

{{infobox|
'''THIS PAGE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. CREATIVE COMMONS DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR REPRESENTATION. CONSULT YOUR OWN LEGAL COUNSEL FOR LEGAL ADVICE.'''}}

==The NonCommercial license element==

The NonCommercial (“NC”) element is found in three of the six CC licenses: BY-NC, BY-NC-SA, and BY-NC-ND. In each of these licenses, NonCommercial is expressly defined as follows:

<center>''“NonCommercial means not primarily intended for or directed towards commercial advantage or monetary compensation.”''</center>

The definition is intent-based and intentionally flexible in recognition of the many possible factual situations and business models that may exist now or develop later. Clear-cut rules exist even though there may be gray areas, and debates have ensued over its interpretation. In practice, the number of actual conflicts between licensors and licensees over its meaning appear to be few. <ref>This conclusion is borne out by the [[Defining Noncommercial]] Study.</ref>

This page sets forth fundamentals of how the definition of NonCommercial operates and should be interpreted from CC’s perspective as the steward of the CC license suite. We provide some key points to consider before choosing an NC license for your own work or before using an NC-licensed work.

==NonCommercial explained==

Creative Commons NC licenses expressly define NonCommercial as “not primarily intended for or directed towards commercial advantage or monetary compensation.” <ref>“Private” (formerly preceding “monetary compensation”) was removed in version 4.0. This change did not alter the meaning but instead removed an irrelevant and potentially confusing term. It is the only change made in version 4.0 to the definition among all versions of the CC NonCommercial licenses.</ref> The inclusion of “primarily” in the definition recognizes that no activity is completely disconnected from commercial activity; it is only the primary purpose of the reuse that needs to be considered.

The definition of NonCommercial is intentionally flexible; the definition is specific enough to make its intended operation and reach clear, but versatile enough to cover a wide variety of use cases. Narrowly or exhaustively attempting to prescribe every permitted and prohibited activity is an impossible task and, in Creative Commons’ judgment, an ill-advised one. Thus, the definition sets out a principle for determining what uses do and do not qualify, but does not list specific use cases (aside from peer-to-peer file sharing). <ref>This use case, which has remained essentially unchanged across all license versions, provides that the exchange of an NC-licensed work for another copyrighted work via peer-to-peer file sharing networks or otherwise is not a violation of the NC term provided no compensation changes hands.</ref>

==Key points about the NonCommercial licenses==
'''The NonCommercial limitation applies to licensed uses only and does not restrict use by the licensor.'''

As with all CC licenses, the NC licenses only restrict what a reuser may do under the license and not what the licensor (rights holder) can do. Licensors that make their works available under an NC license are always free to monetize their works.

'''NonCommercial turns on the use, not the identity of the reuser.'''

The definition of NonCommercial depends on the primary purpose for which the work is used, not on the category or class of reuser. <ref>There are likely more uses that nonprofit entities can make of an NC-licensed work and not be viewed as violating the NC term, but any interpretation of NonCommercial that assumes all uses by for-profit entities are automatically commercial conflicts with the plain language of the definition.</ref> Specifically, a reuser need not be in education, in government, an individual, or a recognized charity/nonprofit in the relevant jurisdiction in order to use an NC-licensed work. A reuser that is not obviously noncommercial in nature may use NC-licensed content if its use is NonCommercial in accordance with the definition. The context and purpose of the use is relevant when making the determination, but no class of reuser is per se permitted or excluded from using an NC-licensed work.

'''Reusers may make NonCommercial uses only, even when reusing NC material with other works.'''

The NC licenses limit reusers to NonCommercial uses of the work only, which includes when the work is used in a collection or when it is adapted.

'''The NonCommercial term does not limit uses otherwise allowed by limitations and exceptions to copyright.'''

Nothing in the NC licenses (or any CC license) controls or conditions uses—even commercial uses—covered by an exception or limitation to copyright or similar rights, or otherwise controls any activity for which no permission under such rights is required. For example, a person may commercially use an NC-licensed work for purposes of criticism in jurisdictions where this is a fair use or otherwise covered by an exception to copyright. Similarly, because posting a link to a work does not require permission under copyright, a for-profit university may still include a link to NC-licensed courseware in a syllabus or on its paywalled website. In such cases, the CC license never comes into play and the NC restriction (and other limitations or conditions contained in the license) may be disregarded.

'''Explanations of NC do not modify the CC license.'''

Some licensors or website providers state expectations or interpretations about what NC means. Those explanations never form part of the CC license, even if included in terms of service or another resource designed to contractually bind reusers. CC strongly discourages the practice when such statements carve back (rather than expand) on reuses allowed by the NC definition or contradict the plain meaning of the licenses. When those statements are intended to bind reusers or to modify the CC license, no CC trademarks may be associated with either the work or the terms under which it is offered. For more information about CC’s license modification policy, visit this page.

'''The NonCommercial license is non-exclusive.'''

Like all CC licenses, the NC licenses are non-exclusive. This means that an NC licensor is free to offer the material under other terms, including on commercial terms. A frequently discussed use case for the NC licenses is a creator who wishes to allow NonCommercial use but also authorizes commercial uses in exchange for payment, such as through use of our CC+ protocol. Also, licensees are always free to contact licensors to ask permission to use the work for commercial purposes.

'''For a given work, permitted NC uses may still be restricted due to non-copyright rights.'''

Even if a use is NonCommercial for purposes of the CC license, it may still not be permitted because of other rights that prevent that particular use of the work. For example, a use that is otherwise NonCommercial could violate the publicity or personality rights of an individual featured in the work.

==Choosing NC for Your Work==

Before opting to use an NC license for your work, consider the following:

* The NC licenses may not permit uses of your work by others that you would like them to make. For example, not all educational uses are necessarily NonCommercial uses, so your use of an NC license may preclude use of your work in some educational contexts.
* The NC licenses may not be compatible with other works reusers wish others to remix with the NC-licensed content. For example, a person may not remix BY-SA content (such as Wikipedia content) with BY-NC content.
* Consider whether you have a commercial licensing stream -- or expect to have such a licensing stream -- that you want to protect, and whether the NC limitation accomplishes your goals. The NC licenses may not adequately protect that stream or other uses that you wish to restrict. For example, NC licensing does not stop commercial uses covered by limitations and exceptions (such as fair uses), and even noncommercial uses could affect the commercial market for your work.
* NC licenses may not be permitted under policies of institutions or publications you wish to create content for, or in line with the terms of grants that fund your work. Similarly, consider whether your publisher or any collecting society of which you are a member allows you to use a NonCommercial license, if any CC license at all, and how that affects your ability to collect royalties for commercial uses of your work. Keep in mind that CC’s definition of NonCommercial may differ from the definition used by your publisher or collecting society, so even if you can license your work for noncommercial purposes you may not be able to use CC’s NC licenses.
* Policymakers may wish to consider reasons supporting the use of a less restrictive license (such as BY) or the public domain (CC0) for publicly funded materials, and promote those options.
* NC licenses do not qualify as “open licenses” under the Open Definition, and works licensed under an NC license are not considered Free Cultural Works. This may be important if you want others to further distribute your work on Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, or other platforms requiring a license that meets the Open Definition or the Definition of Free Cultural Works.

{{infobox|Disclaimer: '''THIS PAGE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. CREATIVE COMMONS DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR REPRESENTATION. CONSULT YOUR OWN LEGAL COUNSEL FOR LEGAL ADVICE.'''}}

==Footnotes==

NonCommercial interpretation

2014-09-03T18:26:44Z

Kat Walsh: paste, format

{{infobox|
'''THIS PAGE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. CREATIVE COMMONS DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR REPRESENTATION. CONSULT YOUR OWN LEGAL COUNSEL FOR LEGAL ADVICE.'''}}

==The NonCommercial license element==

The NonCommercial (“NC”) element is found in three of the six CC licenses: BY-NC, BY-NC-SA, BY-NC-ND. In each of these licenses, NonCommercial is expressly defined as follows:

“NonCommercial means not primarily intended for or directed towards commercial advantage or monetary compensation.”

The definition is intent-based and intentionally flexible in recognition of the many possible factual situations and business models that may exist now or develop later. Clear-cut rules exist even though there may be gray areas, and debates have ensued over its interpretation. In practice, the number of actual conflicts between licensors and licensees over its meaning appear to be few. <ref>This conclusion is borne out by the [Defining Noncommercial]] Study.</ref>

This page sets forth fundamentals of how the definition of NonCommercial operates and should be interpreted from CC’s perspective as the steward of the CC license suite. We provide some key points to consider before choosing an NC license for your own work or before using an NC-licensed work.

==NonCommercial explained==

Creative Commons NC licenses expressly define NonCommercial as “not primarily intended for or directed towards commercial advantage or monetary compensation.” <ref>“Private” (formerly preceding “monetary compensation”) was removed in version 4.0. This change did not alter the meaning but instead removed an irrelevant and potentially confusing term. It is the only change made in version 4.0 to the definition among all versions of the CC NonCommercial licenses.</ref> The inclusion of “primarily” in the definition recognizes that no activity is completely disconnected from commercial activity; it is only the primary purpose of the reuse that needs to be considered.

The definition of NonCommercial is intentionally flexible; the definition is specific enough to make its intended operation and reach clear, but versatile enough to cover a wide variety of use cases. Narrowly or exhaustively attempting to prescribe every permitted and prohibited activity is an impossible task and, in Creative Commons’ judgment, an ill-advised one. Thus, the definition sets out a principle for determining what uses do and do not qualify, but does not list specific use cases (aside from peer-to-peer file sharing). <ref>This use case, which has remained essentially unchanged across all license versions, provides that the exchange of an NC-licensed work for another copyrighted work via peer-to-peer file sharing networks or otherwise is not a violation of the NC term provided no compensation changes hands.</ref>

==Key points about the NonCommercial licenses==
'''The NonCommercial limitation applies to licensed uses only and does not restrict use by the licensor.'''

As with all CC licenses, the NC licenses only restrict what a reuser may do under the license and not what the licensor (rights holder) can do. Licensors that make their works available under an NC license are always free to monetize their works.

'''NonCommercial turns on the use, not the identity of the reuser.'''

The definition of NonCommercial depends on the primary purpose for which the work is used, not on the category or class of reuser. <ref>There are likely more uses that nonprofit entities can make of an NC-licensed work and not be viewed as violating the NC term, but any interpretation of NonCommercial that assumes all uses by for-profit entities are automatically commercial conflicts with the plain language of the definition.</ref> Specifically, a reuser need not be in education, in government, an individual, or a recognized charity/nonprofit in the relevant jurisdiction in order to use an NC-licensed work. A reuser that is not obviously noncommercial in nature may use NC-licensed content if its use is NonCommercial in accordance with the definition. The context and purpose of the use is relevant when making the determination, but no class of reuser is per se permitted or excluded from using an NC-licensed work.

'''Reusers may make NonCommercial uses only, even when reusing NC material with other works.'''

The NC licenses limit reusers to NonCommercial uses of the work only, which includes when the work is used in a collection or when it is adapted.

'''The NonCommercial term does not limit uses otherwise allowed by limitations and exceptions to copyright.'''

Nothing in the NC licenses (or any CC license) controls or conditions uses—even commercial uses—covered by an exception or limitation to copyright or similar rights, or otherwise controls any activity for which no permission under such rights is required. For example, a person may commercially use an NC-licensed work for purposes of criticism in jurisdictions where this is a fair use or otherwise covered by an exception to copyright. Similarly, because posting a link to a work does not require permission under copyright, a for-profit university may still include a link to NC-licensed courseware in a syllabus or on its paywalled website. In such cases, the CC license never comes into play and the NC restriction (and other limitations or conditions contained in the license) may be disregarded.

'''Explanations of NC do not modify the CC license.'''

Some licensors or website providers state expectations or interpretations about what NC means. Those explanations never form part of the CC license, even if included in terms of service or another resource designed to contractually bind reusers. CC strongly discourages the practice when such statements carve back (rather than expand) on reuses allowed by the NC definition or contradict the plain meaning of the licenses. When those statements are intended to bind reusers or to modify the CC license, no CC trademarks may be associated with either the work or the terms under which it is offered. For more information about CC’s license modification policy, visit this page.

'''The NonCommercial license is non-exclusive.'''

Like all CC licenses, the NC licenses are non-exclusive. This means that an NC licensor is free to offer the material under other terms, including on commercial terms. A frequently discussed use case for the NC licenses is a creator who wishes to allow NonCommercial use but also authorizes commercial uses in exchange for payment, such as through use of our CC+ protocol. Also, licensees are always free to contact licensors to ask permission to use the work for commercial purposes.

'''For a given work, permitted NC uses may still be restricted due to non-copyright rights.'''

Even if a use is NonCommercial for purposes of the CC license, it may still not be permitted because of other rights that prevent that particular use of the work. For example, a use that is otherwise NonCommercial could violate the publicity or personality rights of an individual featured in the work.

==Choosing NC for Your Work==

Before opting to use an NC license for your work, consider the following:

* The NC licenses may not permit uses of your work by others that you would like them to make. For example, not all educational uses are necessarily NonCommercial uses, so your use of an NC license may preclude use of your work in some educational contexts.
* The NC licenses may not be compatible with other works reusers wish others to remix with the NC-licensed content. For example, a person may not remix BY-SA content (such as Wikipedia content) with BY-NC content.
* Consider whether you have a commercial licensing stream -- or expect to have such a licensing stream -- that you want to protect, and whether the NC limitation accomplishes your goals. The NC licenses may not adequately protect that stream or other uses that you wish to restrict. For example, NC licensing does not stop commercial uses covered by limitations and exceptions (such as fair uses), and even noncommercial uses could affect the commercial market for your work.
* NC licenses may not be permitted under policies of institutions or publications you wish to create content for, or in line with the terms of grants that fund your work. Similarly, consider whether your publisher or any collecting society of which you are a member allows you to use a NonCommercial license, if any CC license at all, and how that affects your ability to collect royalties for commercial uses of your work. Keep in mind that CC’s definition of NonCommercial may differ from the definition used by your publisher or collecting society, so even if you can license your work for noncommercial purposes you may not be able to use CC’s NC licenses.
* Policymakers may wish to consider reasons supporting the use of a less restrictive license (such as BY) or the public domain (CC0) for publicly funded materials, and promote those options.
* NC licenses do not qualify as “open licenses” under the Open Definition, and works licensed under an NC license are not considered Free Cultural Works. This may be important if you want others to further distribute your work on Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, or other platforms requiring a license that meets the Open Definition or the Definition of Free Cultural Works.

{{infobox|Disclaimer: '''THIS PAGE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. CREATIVE COMMONS DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR REPRESENTATION. CONSULT YOUR OWN LEGAL COUNSEL FOR LEGAL ADVICE.'''}}

==Footnotes==

Frequently Asked Questions

2014-08-20T16:47:24Z

Kat Walsh: /* Combining and adapting CC material */ fix link

__NOTOC__
These FAQs are designed to provide a better understanding of Creative Commons, our licenses, and our other legal and technical tools. They provide basic information, sometimes about fairly complex topics, and will often link to more detailed information.

* Other CC FAQs: [[CC0_FAQ|CC0 Public Domain Dedication]] and [[PDM_FAQ|Public Domain Mark]].
* "Licensor", "rights holder", "owner", and "creator" may be used interchangeably to refer to the person or entity applying a CC license.
* Information about the licenses is primarily made with reference to the 4.0 suite, but earlier [[License_Versions|license versions]] are mentioned where they differ.
* Have a question that isn't answered here? Contact info@creativecommons.org.

{{Infobox|
'''Creative Commons does not provide legal advice.''' This FAQ is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for legal advice. It may not cover important issues that affect you. You should consult with your own lawyer if you have questions.|}}

==Questions==

===Most Frequently Asked Questions===

#[[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_other_tools.2C_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F|Can Creative Commons give legal advice about its licenses or other tools, or help with CC license enforcement?]]
#[[#Who_gives_permission_to_use_material_offered_under_Creative_Commons_licenses.3F|Who gives permission to use material offered under Creative Commons licenses?]]
#[[#How_do_I_properly_attribute_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F|How do I properly attribute material offered under a Creative Commons license?]]
#[[#What_if_CC_licenses_have_not_been_ported_to_my_jurisdiction_.28country.29.3F |What if CC licenses have not been ported to my jurisdiction (country)?]]
#[[#When_is_my_use_considered_an_adaptation.3F|When is my use considered an adaptation?]]
#[[#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F | Does my use violate the NonCommercial clause of the licenses?]]
#[[#Can_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_software.3F | Can I apply a Creative Commons license to software?]]
#[[#How_can_I_change_or_remove_the_Creative_Commons_search_option_built_into_the_Firefox_browser.3F | How can I change or remove the Creative Commons search option built into the Firefox browser?]]
#[[#Can_I_change_the_license_terms_or_conditions.3F | Can I change the license terms or conditions?]]

===About CC===

#[[#What_is_Creative_Commons_and_what_do_you_do.3F | What is Creative Commons and what do you do?]]
#[[#Is_Creative_Commons_against_copyright.3F | Is Creative Commons against copyright?]]
#[[#What_does_.22Some_Rights_Reserved.22_mean.3F | What does "Some Rights Reserved" mean?]]
#[[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_other_tools.2C_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F | Can Creative Commons give legal advice about its licenses or other tools, or help with CC license enforcement?]]
#[[#Does_Creative_Commons_collect_or_track_materials_licensed_under_a_CC_license.3F | Does Creative Commons collect or track material licensed under a CC license?]]
#[[#What_do_the_Creative_Commons_buttons_do.3F | What do the Creative Commons buttons do?]]
#[[#May_I_use_the_Creative_Commons_logo_and_buttons.3F|May I use the Creative Commons logo and buttons?]]
#[[#I_love_Creative_Commons._How_can_I_help.3F | I love Creative Commons. How can I help?]]
#[[#Why does Creative Commons run an annual fundraising campaign? What is the money used for and where does it go.3F | Why does Creative Commons run an annual fundraising campaign? What is the money used for and where does it go?]]

===General License Information===

#[[#What_are_Creative_Commons_licenses.3F|What are Creative Commons licenses?]]
#[[#How_do_CC_licenses_operate.3F|How do CC licenses operate?]]
#[[#Which_is_the_latest_version_of_the_licenses_offered_by_Creative_Commons.3F|Which is the latest version of the licenses offered by Creative Commons?]]
#[[#Do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_exceptions_and_limitations_to_copyright.2C_such_as_fair_dealing_and_fair_use.3F | Do Creative Commons licenses affect exceptions and limitations to copyright, such as fair dealing and fair use?]]
#[[#Who_gives_permission_to_use_material_offered_under_Creative_Commons_licenses.3F|Who gives permission to use material offered under Creative Commons licenses?]]
#[[#Are_Creative_Commons_licenses_enforceable_in_a_court_of_law.3F | Are Creative Commons licenses enforceable in a court of law?]]
#[[#What_happens_if_someone_applies_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_my_work_without_my_knowledge_or_authorization.3F | What happens if someone applies a CC license to my work without my knowledge or authorization?]]
#[[#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F | What are the international (“unported”) Creative Commons licenses, and why does CC offer “ported” licenses?]]
#[[#Can_I_include_a_work_licensed_with_CC_BY_in_a_Wikipedia_article_even_though_they_use_a_CC_BY-SA_license.3F | Can I include a work licensed with CC BY in a Wikipedia article even though they use a CC BY-SA license?]]
#[[#Can_governments_and_intergovernmental_organizations_.28.22IGOs.22.29_use_CC_licenses.3F | Can governments and intergovernmental organizations ("IGOs") use CC licenses?]]
#[[#What_are_the_official_translations_of_the_CC_licenses.3F|What are the official translations of the CC licenses?]]

===For Licensors===
'''NB: You should never apply a CC license to a work unless you have [[Considerations for licensors and licensees|all the permissions you need]] to do so. '''
====Choosing a license====
#[[#What_things_should_I_think_about_before_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F| What things should I think about before I apply a Creative Commons license?]]
#[[#How_should_I_decide_which_license_to_choose.3F|How should I decide which license to choose?]]
#[[#Why_should_I_use_the_latest_version_of_the_Creative_Commons_licenses.3F|Why should I use the latest version of the Creative Commons licenses?]]
#[[#What_if_CC_licenses_have_not_been_ported_to_my_jurisdiction.3F|What if CC licenses have not been ported to my jurisdiction?]]
#[[#Should_I_choose_an_international_license_or_a_ported_license.3F|Should I choose an international license or a ported license?]]
#[[#Why_should_I_use_the_license_chooser.3F_What_if_I_don.E2.80.99t.3F|Why should I use the license chooser? What if I don’t?]]
#[[#How_do_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_my_material.3F | How do I apply a Creative Commons license to my material?]]
#[[#Do_I_need_to_register_with_Creative_Commons_before_I_obtain_a_license.3F | Do I need to register with Creative Commons before I obtain a license?]]

====What can I license?====
#[[#What_do_the_terms_and_conditions_of_a_CC_license_apply_to.3F | What do the terms and conditions of a CC license apply to?]]
#[[#Can_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_software.3F | Can I apply a Creative Commons license to software?]]
#[[#Can_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_databases.3F | Can I apply a Creative Commons license to databases?]]
#[[#Could_I_use_a_CC_license_to_share_my_logo_or_trademark.3F | Could I use a CC license to share my logo or trademark?]]
#[[#May_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_a_work_in_the_public_domain.3F | May I apply a Creative Commons license to a work in the public domain?]]
#[[#If_I_take_a_photograph_of_another_work_that_is_out_of_copyright_and_in_the_public_domain,_can_I_apply_a_CC_license_to_my_photo.3F | If I take a photograph of another work that is out of copyright and in the public domain, can I apply a CC license to my photo?]]
#[[#May_I_apply_a_CC_license_to_my_work_if_it_incorporates_material_used_under_fair_use_or_another_exception_or_limitation_to_copyright?|May I apply a CC license to my work if it incorporates material used under fair use or another exception or limitation to copyright? ]]

====Rights other than copyright====
#[[#Can_I_use_CC_licenses_to_license_rights_other_than_copyright.3F|Can I use CC licenses to license rights other than copyright?]]
#[[#How_do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_my_moral_rights.2C_if_at_all.3F | How do Creative Commons licenses affect my moral rights, if at all?]]
#[[#Can_I_place_a_trademark_on_a_work_and_offer_the_work_under_a_CC_license_without_also_licensing_or_otherwise_affecting_rights_in_the_trademark.3F_If_so.2C_how.3F | Can I place a trademark on a work and offer the work under a CC license without also licensing or affecting rights in the trademark?]]
#[[#How_are_publicity,_privacy,_and_personality_rights_affected_when_I_apply_a_CC_license.3F|How are publicity, privacy, and personality rights affected when I apply a CC license?]]

====Business models====
#[[#Can_I_apply_a_CC_license_to_low-resolution_copies_of_a_licensed_work_and_reserve_more_rights_in_high-resolution_copies.3F | Can I apply a CC license to low-resolution copies of a licensed work and reserve more rights in high-resolution copies?]]
#[[#Can_I_use_a_Creative_Commons_license_if_I_am_a_member_of_a_collecting_society.3F | Can I use a Creative Commons license if I am a member of a collecting society?]]
#[[#Can_I_still_make_money_from_a_work_I_make_available_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F | Can I still make money from a work I make available under a Creative Commons license?]]

====Alterations and additions to the license====
#[[#Can_I_insist_on_the_exact_placement_of_the_attribution_credit.3F | Can I insist on the exact placement of the attribution credit?]]
#[[#Can_I_change_the_license_terms_or_conditions.3F | Can I change the license terms or conditions?]]
#[[#Can_I_waive_license_terms_or_conditions.3F | Can I waive license terms or conditions?]]
#[[#Can_I_enter_into_separate_or_supplemental_agreements_with_users_of_my_work.3F|Can I enter into separate or supplemental agreements with users of my work?]]

====After licensing====
#[[#What_happens_if_I_offer_my_material_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_someone_misuses_them.3F | What happens if I offer my materials under a Creative Commons license and someone misuses them?]]
#[[#What_can_I_do_if_I_offer_my_material_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_I_do_not_like_the_way_someone_uses_it.3F | What can I do if I offer my material under a Creative Commons license and I do not like the way someone uses it?]]
#[[#What_do_I_do_if_someone_tries_to_place_effective_technological_measures_.28such_as_DRM.29_on_my_CC-licensed_material.3F|What do I do if someone tries to place effective technological measures (such as DRM) on my CC-licensed material?]]
#[[#When_I_release_my_work_under_a_CC_license_in_one_format_(e.g.,_.pdf),_can_I_restrict_licensees_from_changing_it_to_or_using_it_in_other_formats.3F|When I release my work under a CC license in one format (e.g., .pdf), can I restrict licensees from changing it to or using it in other formats?]]
#[[#What_if_I_change_my_mind_about_using_a_CC_license.3F|What if I change my mind about using a CC license?]]

===For Licensees===
====Before using CC-licensed material====
#[[#What_should_I_think_about_before_using_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F | What should I think about before using material offered under a Creative Commons license?]]
#[[#Does_a_Creative_Commons_license_give_me_all_the_rights_I_need_to_use_the_work.3F | Does a Creative Commons license give me all the rights I need to use the work?]]
#[[#What_if_there_are_sui_generis_database_rights_that_apply_to_my_use_of_a_CC-licensed_database.3F|What if there are sui generis database rights that apply to my use of a CC-licensed database?]]
#[[#Where_can_I_find_material_offered_under_a_CC_license.3F | Where can I find material offered under a CC license?]]
#[[#Are_Creative_Commons_works_really_free_to_use.3F|Are Creative Commons works really free to use?]]
#[[#What_should_I_know_about_differences_between_the_international_licenses_and_the_ported_licenses.3F | What should I know about differences between the international licenses and the ported licenses?]]

====General license compliance====
#[[#What_happens_if_I_want_to_use_the_material_in_a_way_that_is_not_permitted_by_the_license.3F | What happens if I want to use the material in a way that is not permitted by the license?]]
#[[#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not,_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|Do I always have to comply with the license terms? If not, what are the exceptions?]]

====Attribution====
#[[#How_do_I_properly_attribute_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F | How do I properly attribute material offered under a Creative Commons license?]]
#[[#Do_I_need_to_be_aware_of_anything_else_when_providing_attribution.3F | Do I need to be aware of anything else when providing attribution?]]
#[[#Do_I_always_have_to_attribute_the_creator_of_the_licensed_material.3F|Do I always have to attribute the creator of the licensed material?]]

====Using licensed material====
#[[#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F | Does my use violate the NonCommercial clause of the licenses?]]
#[[#Can_I_take_a_CC-licensed_work_and_use_it_in_a_different_format.3F|Can I take a CC-licensed work and use it in a different format?]]
#[[#How_do_I_know_if_a_low-resolution_photo_and_a_high-resolution_photo_are_the_same_work.3F|How do I know if a low-resolution photo and a high-resolution photo are the same work?]]
#[[#Can_I_use_effective_technological_measures_(such_as_DRM)_when_I_share_CC-licensed_material.3F|Can I use effective technological measures (such as DRM) when I share CC-licensed material?]]
#[[#Can_I_share_CC-licensed_material_on_password-protected_sites.3F|Can I share CC-licensed material on password-protected sites?]]
#[[#Can_I_share_CC-licensed_material_on_file-sharing_networks.3F|Can I share CC-licensed material on file-sharing networks?]]

====Additional restrictions on licensed material====
#[[#What_if_I_received_CC-licensed_material_encumbered_with_effective_technological_measures_(such_as_DRM).3F|What if I received CC-licensed material encumbered with effective technological measures (such as DRM)?]]
#[[#What_if_I_have_received_CC-licensed_material_with_additional_restrictions.3F|What if I have received CC-licensed material with additional restrictions?]]

====Combining and adapting CC material====
#[[#When_is_my_use_considered_an_adaptation.3F|When is my use considered an adaptation?]]
#[[#Can_I_combine_material_under_different_Creative_Commons_licenses_in_my_work.3F|Can I combine material that uses different Creative Commons licenses into my work?]]
#[[#If_I_derive_or_adapt_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.2C_which_CC_license.28s.29_can_I_use.3F|If I derive or adapt material offered under a Creative Commons license, which CC license(s) can I use?]]
#[[#If_I_create_a_collection_that_includes_a_work_offered_under_a_CC_license.2C_which_license.28s.29_may_I_choose_for_the_collection.3F|If I create a collection that includes a work offered under a CC license, which license(s) may I choose for the collection?]]

====License termination====
#[[#When_do_ Creative_Commons_licenses_expire.3F|When do Creative Commons licenses expire? ]]
#[[#What_happens_if_the_author_decides_to_revoke_the_CC_license_to_material_I_am_using.3F|What happens if the author decides to revoke the CC license to material I am using?]]
#[[#How_can_I_lose_my_rights_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F_If_that_happens,_how_do_I_get_them_back.3F|How can I lose my rights under a Creative Commons license? If that happens, how do I get them back?]]

===Technical Questions===

#[[#How_do_Creative_Commons_licenses_and_public_domain_tools_work_technically.3F | How do Creative Commons licenses and public domain tools work technically?]]
#[[#What_does_it_mean_that_Creative_Commons_licenses_are_.22machine-readable.22.3F | What does it mean that Creative Commons licenses are "machine-readable"?]]
#[[#What_is_RDFa.3F | What is RDFa?]]
#[[#What_is_CC_REL_and_why_does_Creative_Commons_recommend_it.3F | What is CC REL and why does Creative Commons recommend it?]]
#[[#What_does_it_mean_for_a_search_engine_to_be_CC-enabled.3F | What does it mean for a search engine to be CC-enabled?]]
#[[#How_do_I_give_users_of_my_site_the_option_to_use_CC_licensing_like_Flickr_does.3F | How do I give users of my site the option to use CC licensing like Flickr does?]]
#[[#How_can_I_change_or_remove_the_Creative_Commons_search_option_built_into_the_Firefox_browser.3F | How do I change/remove the Creative Commons search options built into the Firefox browser?]]
#[[#Is_Creative_Commons_involved_in_digital_rights_management_.28DRM.29.3F | Is Creative Commons involved in digital rights management (DRM)?]]

===Legal Background===

#[[#What_is_copyright_and_why_does_it_matter.3F | What is copyright and why does it matter?]]
#[[#What_is_the_public_domain.3F | What is the public domain?]]
#[[#What_do_I_need_to_do_to_get_a_copyright.3F | What do I need to do to get a copyright?]]
#[[#What_is_an_adaptation.3F | What is an adaptation?]]
#[[#What_are_moral_rights.3F | What are moral rights?]]
#[[#What_are_neighboring_rights.3F | What are neighboring rights?]]
#[[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|What are sui generis database rights?]]
#[[#What_are_collecting_societies.3F | What are collecting societies?]]
#[[#What_are_publicity,_personality,_and_privacy_rights.3F|What are publicity, personality, and privacy rights?]]

===Data===
====Frequently asked questions about data and CC licenses====
#[[#Can_databases_be_released_under_CC_licenses.3F|Can databases be released under CC licenses?]]
#[[#When_a_CC_license_is_applied_to_a_database,_what_is_being_licensed.3F|When a CC license is applied to a database, what is being licensed?]]
#[[#How_do_I_apply_a_CC_legal_tool_to_a_database.3F|How do I apply a CC legal tool to a database?]]
#[[#How_do_the_different_CC_license_elements_operate_for_a_CC-licensed_database.3F|How do the different CC license elements operate for a CC-licensed database?]]
#[[#Can_I_conduct_text/data_mining_on_a_CC-licensed_database.3F|Can I conduct text/data mining on a CC-licensed database?]]
#[[#How_does_the_treatment_of_sui_generis_database_rights_vary_in_prior_versions_of_CC_licenses.3F|How does the treatment of sui generis database rights vary in prior versions of CC licenses?]]
#[[#What_is_the_difference_between_the_Open_Data_Commons_licenses_and_the_CC_4.0_licenses.3F|What is the difference between the Open Data Commons licenses and the CC 4.0 licenses?]]

====Frequently asked questions about data, generally====

#[[#Which_components_of_databases_are_protected_by_copyright.3F|Which components of databases are protected by copyright?]]
#[[#How_do_I_know_whether_a_particular_use_of_a_database_is_restricted_by_copyright.3F|How do I know whether a particular use of a database is restricted by copyright?]]
#[[#If_my_use_of_a_database_is_restricted_by_copyright,_how_do_I_comply_with_the_license.3F|If my use of a database is restricted by copyright, how do I comply with the license?]]
#[[#Which_components_of_a_database_are_protected_by_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|Which components of a database are protected by sui generis database rights?]]
#[[#How_do_I_know_whether_a_particular_use_of_a_database_is_restricted_by_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|How do I know whether a particular use of a database is restricted by sui generis database rights?]]
#[[#What_constitutes_a_“substantial_portion”_of_a_database.3F|What constitutes a “substantial portion” of a database?]]
#[[#If_my_use_of_a_database_is_restricted_by_sui_generis_database_rights,_how_do_I_comply_with_the_license.3F|If my use of a database is restricted by sui generis database rights, how do I comply with the license?]]

<hr/>

==About CC==






====What is Creative Commons and what do you do?====

Creative Commons is a global nonprofit organization that enables sharing and reuse of creativity and knowledge through the provision of free legal tools. Our legal tools help those who want to encourage reuse of their works by offering them for use under generous, standardized terms; those who want to make creative uses of works; and those who want to benefit from this symbiosis. Our vision is to help others realize the full potential of the internet. CC has affiliates [http://creativecommons.org/international/ all over the world] who help ensure our licenses work internationally and who raise awareness of our work.

Although Creative Commons is best known for its licenses, our work extends beyond just providing copyright licenses. CC offers other legal and technical tools that also facilitate sharing and discovery of creative works, such as [http://creativecommons.org/choose/zero/ CC0], a public domain dedication for rights holders who wish to put their work into the public domain before the expiration of copyright, and the [http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0 Public Domain Mark], a tool for marking a work that is in the worldwide public domain. [[#Technical_Questions_2|Creative Commons licenses and tools were designed specifically to work with the web]], which makes content that is offered under their terms easy to search for, discover, and use.

For more information about CC, our [http://creativecommons.org main website] contains in-depth information about [http://creativecommons.org/about/ the organization], its [http://creativecommons.org/staff/ staff and board of directors], its [http://creativecommons.org/about/history history], and its [https://support.creativecommons.org/supporters supporters]. You can also read [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Case_Studies CC case studies] to learn about some of the inspiring ways CC licenses and tools have been used to share works and support innovative business models. You can find regularly updated information about CC by visiting the [http://creativecommons.org/weblog blog].

====Is Creative Commons against copyright?====

Absolutely not. CC has [http://creativecommons.org/weblog/entry/22643 responded to claims to the contrary]. CC licenses are copyright licenses, and depend on the existence of copyright to work. CC licenses are legal tools that creators and other rights holders can use to offer certain usage rights to the public, while reserving other rights. Those who want to make their work available to the public for limited kinds of uses while preserving their copyright may want to consider using CC licenses. Others who want to reserve all of their rights under copyright law should not use CC licenses.

That said, Creative Commons recognizes the need for change in copyright law, and many members of the Creative Commons community are active participants in the copyright reform movement. For more information, see our [http://creativecommons.org/about/reform statement in support of copyright reform].

====What does "Some Rights Reserved" mean?====

[[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_is_copyright_and_why_does_it_matter.3F|Copyright]] grants to creators a bundle of exclusive rights over their creative works, which generally include, at a minimum, the right to reproduce, distribute, display, and make adaptations. The phrase "All Rights Reserved" is often used by owners to indicate that they reserve all of the rights granted to them under the law. When copyright expires, the work enters the [[#What_is_the_public_domain.3F | public domain]], and the rights holder can no longer stop others from engaging in those activities under copyright, with the exception of moral rights reserved to creators in some jurisdictions. Creative Commons licenses offer creators a spectrum of choices between retaining all rights and relinquishing all rights (public domain), an approach we call "Some Rights Reserved."




====Can Creative Commons give legal advice about its licenses or other tools, or help with CC license enforcement?====

No. Creative Commons is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal services. CC is similar to a self-help service that offers free, form-based legal documents for others to use. These FAQ answers many of the most common questions. There is also specialized information available on the following pages:

*[[Marking/Creators|Marking practices for creators]]
*[[Marking/Users|Marking practices for reusers]]
*[[Data FAQ|Data FAQ]]
*[[License versions|Differences between CC license versions]]
*[[Jurisdiction Database|Differences between jurisdiction ports of earlier license versions]]
*[[PDM_FAQ|Public domain mark FAQ]]
*[[CC0_FAQ|CC0 FAQ]]

While CC does provide this informational guidance about its licenses and other tools, this information may not apply to your particular situation, and should never be taken as legal advice.

If you're looking for legal advice about using CC licenses and other tools, we recommend contacting the [[CC Affiliate Network|Creative Commons affiliate in your jurisdiction]]. CC affiliates are highly connected to the communities of copyright lawyers in their countries. We also offer a [[CC_Friendly_Lawyers|list of lawyers and organizations]] who have identified themselves as willing to provide information to others about CC licensing issues. However, please note that CC does not provide referral services, and does not endorse or recommend any person on that list.





====Does Creative Commons collect or track material licensed under a CC license?====

No, CC does not collect content or track licensed material. However, CC builds technical tools that help the public search for and use works licensed under our licenses and other legal tools, and many others have built such tools as well. [http://search.creativecommons.org/ CC Search] is one tool developed by CC to help the public discover works offered under Creative Commons licenses on the internet via CC-aware search engines and repositories.



====What do the Creative Commons buttons do?====

The CC buttons are a shorthand way to convey the basic permissions associated with material offered under CC licenses. Creators and owners who apply CC licenses to their material can [http://creativecommons.org/about/downloads download and apply those buttons] to communicate to users the permissions granted in advance. When the material is offered online, the buttons should usually link out to the human-readable license deeds (which, in turn, link to the license itself).






====May I use the Creative Commons logo and buttons?====

You may [http://creativecommons.org/about/downloads download high resolution versions] of the Creative Commons logos and use them in connection with your work or your website, provided you comply with our [http://creativecommons.org/policies policies]. Among other things, if you use the logos on a website or on your work, you may not alter the logos in any respect—such as by changing the font, the proportions, or the colors. CC's buttons, name, and corporate logo (the “CC” in a circle) are trademarks of Creative Commons. You cannot use them in ways not permitted by our policies unless you first receive express, written permission. This means, for example, that you cannot (without our permission) print your own buttons and t-shirts using CC logos, although you can purchase them in CC’s [https://creativecommons.net/store/ store].


====I love Creative Commons. How can I help?====

Please support CC by making a donation through our [http://creativecommons.net/ support page]. If you give $50 or more, you can get a special-edition t-shirt only available to CC supporters. Donations and shipping information can be handled through PayPal or by credit card. You can also support CC by visiting our [http://creativecommons.net/store store].

CC always welcomes your feedback, which you can provide by emailing [mailto:info@creativecommons.org info@creativecommons.org]. You can also participate in CC's [http://creativecommons.org/contact#discuss email discussion lists] and share feedback and ideas in one of those forums.

If you are a software developer, sysadmin, or have other technical expertise, please [http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/cc-devel join our developer community] and help build the tools that build the commons.

Finally, one of the best ways to support CC is by supporting our causes yourself. Follow our [http://creativecommons.org/weblog/ blog] to find out about current issues where you can help get involved and spread the word, and advocate for free and open licensing in your own communities.



====Why does Creative Commons run an annual fundraising campaign? What is the money used for and where does it go?====

Creative Commons is a global nonprofit organization that enables sharing and reuse of creativity and knowledge through free legal tools, with affiliates all over the world who help ensure our licenses work internationally and raise awareness about our work. Our tools are free, and our reach is wide.

In order to...
*continue developing our licenses and public domain tools to make sure they are legally and technically up-to-date around the world,
*help creators implement these tools on websites through best practices and individual assistance,
*enable CC licensing on major content-sharing platforms,
*enhance CC-licensed resource search and discovery,
*advocate for CC licensing and open policies in [http://creativecommons.org/education education], [http://creativecommons.org/science science], and [http://creativecommons.org/culture culture], and
*myriad other activities we're forgetting to mention, such as all the everyday boring but essential operations that go into running an organization
...we need $ to make it all happen!
For more information, please take a look at our [http://dispatches.creativecommons.org/ Annual Report].

Creative Commons has always relied on the generosity of both individuals and organizations to fund its ongoing operations. It is essential we have the public's support because it is the creators and users of CC material who make our tools relevant in this digital age. They depend on the tools and services CC provides through their reuse and remix of the rich, open resources available on [http://en.wikipedia.org Wikipedia], [http://www.flickr.com Flickr], [http://soundcloud.com/‎ SoundCloud], [http://www.vimeo.com/‎ Vimeo], [http://www.europeana.eu/ ‎Europeana], [http://ocw.mit.edu/ MIT OpenCourseWare], the [http://www.plos.org/‎Public Library of Science], [http://www.aljazeera.com/‎ Al Jazeera], and [http://youtube.com YouTube]—just to name a few. Many of these people donate $10, $25, or $50 to CC, to help keep it up and running so we can continue to provide our tools and services for free, as a nonprofit organization. The more people who [https://creativecommons.net/ donate] to CC, the more independent it will remain.

==General License Information==



====What are Creative Commons licenses?====
[http://creativecommons.org/licenses Creative Commons licenses] provide an easy way to manage the copyright terms that attach automatically to all creative material under [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_is_copyright_and_why_does_it_matter.3F|copyright]]. Our licenses allow that material to be shared and reused under terms that are flexible and legally sound. Creative Commons offers a core suite of six copyright licenses. Because there is no single "Creative Commons license," it is important to identify [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ which of the six licenses] you are applying to your material, which of the six licenses has been applied to material that you intend to use, and in both cases the specific version.

All of our licenses require that users provide attribution (BY) to the creator when the material is used and shared. Some licensors choose the BY license, which requires attribution to the creator as the only condition to reuse of the material. The other five licenses combine BY with one or more of three additional license elements: NonCommercial (NC), which prohibits commercial use of the material; NoDerivatives (ND), which prohibits the sharing of adaptations of the material; and ShareAlike (SA), which requires adaptations of the material be released under the same license.

CC licenses may be applied to any type of work, including [[OER|educational resources]], [[Musician|music]], [[Photographer|photographs]], [[Data|databases]], [[Government_use_of_Creative_Commons|government and public sector information]], and [[Case_Studies|many other types of material]]. The only categories of works for which CC does not recommend its licenses are [[#Can_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_software.3F| computer software]] and hardware. You should also not apply Creative Commons licenses to works that are [[#May_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_a_work_in_the_public_domain|no longer protected by copyright or are otherwise in the public domain]]. Instead, for those works in the worldwide public domain, we recommend that you mark them with the [http://creativecommons.org/about/pdm Public Domain Mark].

====How do CC licenses operate?====

CC licenses are operative only when applied to material in which a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_is_copyright_and_why_does_it_matter.3F|copyright]] exists, and even then only when a particular use would otherwise not be permitted by copyright. Note that the latest version of CC licenses also applies to rights similar to copyright, such as [[#What_are_neighboring_rights.3F|neighboring rights]] and [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]]. [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_use_CC_licenses_to_license_rights_other_than_copyright.3F|Learn more about the scope of the licenses.]] This means that CC license terms and conditions are '''not''' triggered by [[#Do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_fair_use.2C_fair_dealing.2C_or_other_exceptions_to_copyright.3F|uses permitted under any applicable exceptions and limitations to copyright]], nor do license terms and conditions apply to elements of a licensed work that are in the public domain. This also means that CC licenses do not contractually impose restrictions on uses of a work where there is no underlying copyright. This feature (and others) [[Data#What_is_the_difference_between_the_Open_Data_Commons_licenses_and_the_CC_4.0_licenses.3F|distinguish CC licenses from some other open licenses]] like the [http://opendatacommons.org/licenses/odbl/ ODbL] and [http://opendatacommons.org/licenses/by/ ODC-BY], both of which are intended to [http://opendatacommons.org/faq/licenses/#db-versus-contents impose contractual conditions and restrictions] on the reuse of databases in jurisdictions where there is no underlying copyright or sui generis database right.

All CC licenses are non-exclusive: [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_enter_into_separate_or_supplemental_agreements_with_users_of_my_work.3F|creators and owners can enter into additional, different licensing arrangements]] for the same material at any time (often referred to as “dual-licensing” or “multi-licensing”). However, [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_if_I_change_my_mind_about_using_a_CC_license.3F|CC licenses are not revocable]] once granted unless there has been a breach, and even then the license is terminated only for the breaching licensee.

There are also [http://creativecommons.org/videos/ videos and comics] that offer visual descriptions of how CC licenses work.

====Which is the latest version of the licenses offered by Creative Commons?====

In November 2013, Creative Commons published the version 4.0 license suite. These licenses are the most up-to-date licenses offered by CC, and are recommended over all prior versions. You can see how the licenses have been improved over time on the [[License versions|license versions page]]. 4.0 has been drafted to be internationally valid, and will have official translations becoming available after publication.



====Do Creative Commons licenses affect exceptions and limitations to copyright, such as fair dealing and fair use?====

No. By design, CC licenses do not reduce, limit, or restrict any rights under exceptions and limitations to copyright, such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_use fair use] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_dealing fair dealing]. If your use of CC-licensed material would otherwise be allowed because of an applicable exception or limitation, you do not need to rely on the CC license or comply with its terms and conditions. [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_do_CC_licenses_operate.3F|This is a fundamental principle of CC licensing.]]

====Who gives permission to use material offered under Creative Commons licenses?====

Our licenses and legal tools are intended for use by anyone who holds copyright in the material. This is often, but not always, the creator.

Creative Commons offers licenses and tools to the public free of charge and does not require that creators or other rights holders register with CC in order to apply a CC license to a work. This means that [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_Creative_Commons_collect_or_track_materials_licensed_under_a_CC_license.3F|CC does not have special knowledge of who uses the licenses]] and for what purposes, nor does CC have a way to contact creators beyond means generally available to the public. CC has no authority to grant permission on behalf of those persons, nor does CC manage those rights on behalf of others.

If you would like to obtain additional permissions to use the work beyond those granted by the license that has been applied, or if you’re not sure if your intended use is permitted by the license, you should [[#What_happens_if_I_want_to_do_something_with_the_work_that_is_not_permitted_by_the_license.3F | contact the rights holder]].





====Are Creative Commons licenses enforceable in a court of law?====

Creative Commons licenses are drafted to be enforceable around the world, and have been [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Case_Law enforced in court] in various jurisdictions. To CC's knowledge, the licenses have never been held unenforceable or invalid.

CC licenses contain a “severability” clause. This allows a court to eliminate any provision determined to be unenforceable, and enforce the remaining provisions of the license.

====What happens if someone applies a Creative Commons license to my work without my knowledge or authorization?====

CC [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Before_Licensing alerts prospective licensors] they need to have all necessary rights before applying a CC license to a work. If that is not the case and someone has marked your work with a CC license without your authorization, you should contact that person and tell them to remove the license from your work. You may also wish to contact a lawyer. Creative Commons is not a law firm and cannot represent you or give you legal advice, but there are [[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F | lawyers who have identified themselves as interested in representing people in CC-related matters]].



====What are the international (“unported”) Creative Commons licenses, and why does CC offer “ported” licenses?====

One of CC’s goals is ensuring that all of its legal tools work globally, so that anyone anywhere in the world can share their work on globally standard terms. To this end, CC offers a core suite of six international copyright licenses (formerly called the "unported") that are drafted based largely on various [http://www.wipo.int/copyright/en/treaties.htm international treaties governing copyright], taking into account as many jurisdiction-specific legal issues as possible. The latest version (4.0) has been drafted with particular attention to the needs of international enforceability.

For version 3.0 and earlier, Creative Commons has also offered ported versions of its six core licenses for many jurisdictions (which usually correspond to countries, but not always). These ported licenses are based on the international license suite but have been modified to reflect local nuances in the expression of legal terms and conditions, drafting protocols, and language. The ported licenses and the international licenses are all intended to be legally effective everywhere. CC expects that few, if any, ports will be necessary for 4.0.

CC recommends that you take advantage of the improvements in the 4.0 suite explained on the [[License_versions|license versions page]] unless there are [[#Should_I_choose_an_international_license_or_a_ported_license.3F|particular considerations you are aware of]] that would require a ported license.

====Can I include a work licensed with CC BY in a Wikipedia article even though they use a CC BY-SA license?====

Yes. Works licensed under CC BY may be incorporated into works that are licensed under CC BY-SA. For example, you may incorporate a CC BY photograph into a Wikipedia article so long as you keep all copyright notices intact, provide proper attribution, and otherwise comply with the terms of CC BY. [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ Learn more] about the licenses.





====Can governments and intergovernmental organizations ("IGOs") use CC licenses?====

Yes, anyone may use CC licenses for material they own, including governments and IGOs, and these institutions [[Government|frequently use CC licenses on their copyrightable material]]. The reasons for doing so vary, and often include a desire to maximize the impact and utility of works for educational and informational purposes, and to enhance transparency.

Creative Commons licenses have [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ desirable features] that make them the preferred choice over custom licenses. CC licenses are standard and interoperable, which means material published by different creators using the same type of CC license can be translated, modified, compiled, and remixed without legal barriers depending on the [[#Can_I_combine_works_that_use_different_Creative_Commons_licenses_into_my_work?|particular license applied]]. Creative Commons licenses are also machine-readable, allowing CC-licensed works to be easily discovered via search engines such as Google. These features maximize distribution, reuse, and impact of works published by governments and IGOs.

Though we encourage anyone to use version 4.0, which is internationally valid and may be used by individuals as well as organizations, there is an IGO ported version of 3.0 that IGOs may also use. Read more about how [[government]]s and [[IGO]]s use and leverage CC licenses and legal tools, considerations for using our licenses, and [[Intergovernmental_Organizations#FAQ:_CC_Licenses_and_IGOs|how they operate in the IGO context.]]


====What are the official translations of the CC licenses and CC0?====

Official language translations will be available for the 4.0 licenses and CC0. When you license your own work, you may use or link to the text of any available official translation. When you reuse CC-licensed material, you may comply with the license conditions by referring to any available official translation of the license. These translations are linguistic translations of the English version which adhere as closely as possible to the original text. These translations have been done by our affiliates in accordance with the [[Legal Code Translation Policy]] and with the oversight and detailed review of the CC legal team. Note that these are equivalents of the original English; these translations are ''not'' [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F|jurisdiction ported versions]]. You may find a list of all available translations [[Legal_Tools_Translation#Published_translations|here]].

For versions 3.0 and earlier, official translations are not available. Some unofficial translations were made for informational purposes only. (Jurisdiction ported versions of version 3.0 and earlier were generally published in the official language(s) of the appropriate jurisdiction. However, the ported licenses are [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_should_I_know_about_differences_between_the_international_licenses_and_the_ported_licenses.3F|not
equivalent]] to the international licenses, and do not serve as substitutable references for purposes of complying with the terms and conditions of the licenses.)

==For Licensors==
===Choosing a license===

====What things should I think about before I apply a Creative Commons license?====

Applying a Creative Commons license to your material is a serious decision. When you apply a CC license, you give permission to anyone to use your material for the full duration of applicable copyright and similar rights.

CC has identified [[Considerations for licensors and licensees|some things that you should consider]] before you apply a CC license, some of which relate to your ability to apply a CC license at all. Here are some highlights:

*Is the material copyrightable? If not, is it subject to [[#What_are_neighboring_rights.3F|neighboring rights]] or [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]]? CC licenses do not apply to material in the [[#What_is_the_public_domain.3F|public domain]]. Different countries have different standards for what is in the public domain.
*Do you own the material you want to license? If not, are you otherwise authorized to license it under the specific CC license you are interested in using? You should not apply a license to material that you do not own or that you are not authorized to license.
*Are you aware that CC licenses [[#What_if_I_change_my_mind_about_using_a_CC_license.3F|are not revocable]]? You are free to stop offering material under a CC license at any time, but this will not affect the rights associated with any copies of your work already in circulation. (Any particular licensee may lose his or her rights after violating the license, but this does not affect continual use of the work by other licensees.)
*Are you a member of a [[#What_are_collecting_societies.3F|collecting society]]? If you are, you should [[#Can_I_use_a_Creative_Commons_license_if_I_am_a_member_of_a_collecting_society.3F|make sure that you are able to use CC licenses for your materials]].
*Always read the terms and conditions of the specific license you plan to apply. Additionally, there are several [[License versions|terms that may differ in the earlier versions of the license]], both unported and ported. [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Should_I_choose_an_international_license_or_a_ported_license.3F|If you choose to use a pre-4.0 version or any ported version]], clauses such as choice of law may affect your desired choice of license.


====How should I decide which license to choose?====
If you are unsure which license best suits your needs, there are plenty of resources to help rights holders choose the right CC license. CC Australia has developed a [http://creativecommons.org.au/learn-more/fact-sheets/which-creative-commons-licence-is-right-for-me-poster flow chart] that may be useful in helping you settle on the right license for your work. Creative Commons has also compiled [http://creativecommons.org/examples a list of examples] that demonstrate how various licenses fit into licensors' overall strategies. You can also [http://thepowerofopen.org/ read case studies] of others who are using CC licenses. The CC community can also respond to questions, and may have already addressed issues you raise. The CC community [http://creativecommons.org/discuss email discussion lists] and discussion archives may be useful resources.

Finally, you may also want to [[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F|consult with a lawyer]] to obtain advice on the best license for your needs.


====Why should I use the latest version of the Creative Commons licenses?====
The latest version of the Creative Commons licenses is version 4.0. You should always use the latest version of the Creative Commons licenses in order to take advantage of the many improvements described on the [[License versions|license versions page]]. In particular, 4.0 is meant to be better suited to international use, and use in many different contexts, including [[Data|sharing data]].


====What if CC licenses have not been ported to my jurisdiction?====
All CC licenses are intended to work worldwide. Unless you have a specific reason to use a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Should_I_choose_an_international_license_or_a_ported_license.3F|ported license]], we suggest you consider using one of the international licenses. 4.0 will support official translations of the international license for those who wish to use the licenses in another language.

As of version 4.0, CC is discouraging ported versions, and has placed a hold on new porting projects following its publication until sometime in 2014. At that point, CC will reevaluate the necessity of porting in the future.

====Should I choose an international license or a ported license?====
We recommend that you use a version 4.0 international license. This is the most up-to-date version of our licenses, drafted after broad consultation with our global network of affiliates, and it has been written to be internationally valid. There are currently no [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F|ports]] of 4.0, and it is planned that few, if any, will be created.

All of the ported licenses are at version 3.0 or earlier, which means licensors using those licenses do not have the benefit of the [[License_versions|improvements made in the 4.0 license suite]]. But even before considering the improvements in 4.0, there are several reasons why the [[#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F|international licenses]] may be preferable for rights holders, even if the licenses have been ported to their jurisdiction. As an organization, CC itself licenses all of its own content under an international license because, among other reasons, the international licenses are essentially jurisdiction-neutral while remaining effective globally. The neutral nature of the international licenses appeals to many people and organizations, particularly for use in connection with global projects that transcend political borders. Finally, it is important to know that some of the ported licenses contain a choice of law provision, which may be undesirable for your needs.

However, some rights holders still choose a license ported to their local jurisdiction because they believe their needs are not sufficiently met by the international licenses. If the licenses have been ported to your jurisdiction and you feel that the ported licenses better account for some aspect of local legislation, then you may wish to consider a ported license.

You can [[Jurisdiction_Database|use our jurisdiction database]] to compare international licenses and ports on these issues and others, such as whether a ported license contains a choice of law or forum selection clause.

====Why should I use the license chooser? What if I don’t?====
Licensors are not required to use the [http://creativecommons.org/choose/ CC license chooser] or provide any information about themselves or their material when applying a CC license to their material. However, using the license chooser enables licensors to take advantage of the "machine readable" layer of CC licenses. Our [[ccrel|machine-readable]] code enhances the discoverability of your work because that code allows software, search engines, and other tools to recognize when something is licensed under a CC license. The code also facilitates attribution: when users click on the CC button placed on your site, they will be linked directly to HTML code that they can cut and paste to provide attribution.




====How do I apply a Creative Commons license to my material?====
'''For online material''': Select the license that is appropriate for your material [http://creativecommons.org/choose/ from the CC license chooser] and then follow the [[Marking_your_work_with_a_CC_license#How_to_use_the_CC_License_Chooser|instructions]] to include the HTML code. The code will automatically generate a [[#What_do_the_Creative_Commons_buttons_do.3F|license button]] and a statement that your material is licensed under a CC license. If you are only licensing part of a work (for example, if you have created a video under a CC license but are using a song under a different license), be sure to clearly [[Marking/Creators|mark]] which parts are under the CC license and which parts are not. The HTML code will also include metadata, which allows the material to be discovered via [http://search.creativecommons.org/ Creative Commons-enabled search engines].

'''For offline material''': Identify which license you wish to apply to your work and either (a) [[Marking_your_work_with_a_CC_license#Example:_Offline_document|mark your work]] with a statement such as, “This work is licensed under the Creative Commons [insert description] License. To view a copy of the license, visit [insert url]"; or (b) insert the applicable [[#What_do_the_Creative_Commons_buttons_do.3F|license buttons]] with the same statement and URL link.

'''For third-party platforms''': Many [[Marking_your_work_with_a_CC_license#Content-sharing_platforms|media platforms]] like [http://www.flickr.com/ Flickr], [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube], and [https://soundcloud.com/ SoundCloud] have built-in Creative Commons capabilities, letting users mark their material with a CC license through their account settings. The benefit of using this functionality is that it allows other people to find your content when [http://search.creativecommons.org/ searching on those platforms for CC-licensed material]. If the platform where you're uploading your content does not support CC licensing, you can still identify your content as CC-licensed in the text description of your content.

Legally, these three options are the same. The only difference between applying a CC license offline rather than online is that marking a work online with metadata will ensure that users will be able to find it through CC-enabled search engines.

CC offers resources on the [[Marking/Creators|best practices for marking your material]] and on [[Media:Creativecommons-licensing-and-marking-your-content_eng.pdf|how to mark material in different media (.pdf)]].






====Do I need to register with Creative Commons before I obtain a license?====
No. CC offers its licenses, code, and tools to the public free of charge, without obligation. You do not need to register with Creative Commons to apply a CC license to your material; it is legally valid as soon as you apply it to any material you have the legal right to license.

CC does not require or provide any means for creators or other rights holders to register use of a CC license, [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_Creative_Commons_collect_or_track_materials_licensed_under_a_CC_license.3F|nor does CC maintain a database of works]] distributed under Creative Commons licenses. CC also does not require registration of the work with a national copyright agency.



====What do the terms and conditions of a CC license apply to?====
Although CC licenses get attached to tangible works (such as photos and novels), the license terms and conditions apply to the licensor’s [[FAQ#How_do_CC_licenses_operate.3F|copyright]] in the licensed material. The public is granted “permission to exercise” those rights in [[FAQ#Can_I_take_a_CC-licensed_work_and_use_it_in_a_different_format.3F|any medium or format]]. It is the expression that is protected by copyright and covered by the licenses, not any particular medium or format in which the expression is manifested. This means, for example, that a CC license [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_apply_a_CC_license_to_low-resolution_copies_of_a_licensed_work_and_reserve_more_rights_in_high-resolution_copies.3F|applied to a digitized copy]] of a novel grants the public permission under copyright to use a print version of the same novel on the same terms and conditions (though you may have to purchase the print version from a bookstore).

====Can I apply a Creative Commons license to software?====
We recommend against using Creative Commons licenses for software. Instead, we strongly encourage you to use one of the very good software licenses which are already available. We recommend considering [https://www.gnu.org/licenses/license-recommendations.html licenses made available] by the [http://www.fsf.org/ Free Software Foundation] or [http://opensource.org/licenses listed as “open source”] by the [http://www.opensource.org/ Open Source Initiative].

Unlike software-specific licenses, CC licenses do not contain specific terms about the distribution of source code, which is often important to ensuring the free reuse and modifiability of software. Many software licenses also address patent rights, which are important to software but may not be applicable to other copyrightable works. Additionally, our licenses are currently not compatible with the major software licenses, so it would be difficult to integrate CC-licensed work with other free software. Existing software licenses were designed specifically for use with software and offer a similar set of rights to the Creative Commons licenses.

Our licenses are currently [http://www.dwheeler.com/essays/gpl-compatible.html not compatible with the GPL], though the CC0 Public Domain Dedication '''is''' GPL-compatible and acceptable for software. For details, [[CC0_FAQ#May_I_apply_CC0_to_computer_software.3F_If_so.2C_is_there_a_recommended_implementation.3F|see the relevant CC0 FAQ entry]]. We are looking into compatibility of BY-SA with GPL in the future; see the [http://creativecommons.org/compatiblelicenses license compatibility page] for more information.)

While we recommend against using a CC license on software itself, CC licenses may be used for software documentation, as well as for separate artistic elements such as game art or music.



====Can I apply a Creative Commons license to databases?====
Yes. CC licenses [[Data#Can_databases_be_released_under_CC_licenses.3F|can be used on databases]]. In the 4.0 license suite, applicable [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]] are licensed under the same license conditions as copyright. Many [[Data_and_CC_licenses|governments and others use CC licenses]] for data and databases.

For more detailed information about how CC licenses apply to data and databases, visit our detailed [[Data|Data FAQ]].

====Could I use a CC license to share my logo or trademark?====
Creative Commons does not recommend using a CC license on a logo or trademark. While a logo or trademark can be covered by copyright laws in addition to trademark laws, the special purposes of trademarks make CC licenses an unsuitable mechanism for sharing them in most cases. Generally, logos and trademarks are used to identify the origin of a product or service, or to indicate that it meets a specific standard or quality. Allowing anyone to reuse or modify your logo or trademark as a matter of copyright could result in your inability to limit use of your logo or trademark selectively to accomplish those purposes. Applying a CC license to your trademarks and logos could even result in a loss of your trademark rights altogether. See [[#Can_I_place_a_trademark_on_a_work_and_offer_the_work_under_a_CC_license_without_also_licensing_or_otherwise_affecting_rights_in_the_trademark.3F_If_so.2C_how.3F|below]] for more about how to license material that includes a trademark or logo.

There are other ways to share your logos and trademarks widely while preserving your trademark rights. Establishing a trademark policy that grants permissions in advance for limited uses is one common alternative. [http://www.mozilla.org/foundation/trademarks/policy.html Mozilla], [http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Trademark_policy Wikimedia], and [http://creativecommons.org/policies Creative Commons] have each published policies that accomplish the dual objectives of encouraging reuse and preserving trademark rights.



====May I apply a Creative Commons license to a work in the public domain?====
CC licenses should not be applied to works in the worldwide [[#What_is_the_public_domain.3F|public domain]]. All CC licenses are clear that they [[#Do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_exceptions_and_limitations_to_copyright.2C_such_as_fair_dealing_and_fair_use.3F|do not have the effect]] of placing restrictions on material that would otherwise be unrestricted, and you cannot remove a work from the public domain by applying a CC license to it. If you want to dedicate your own work to the public domain before the expiration of applicable copyright or similar rights, use CC's legally robust [http://creativecommons.org/about/cc0|CC0 public domain dedication]. If a work is already in the worldwide public domain, you should mark it with CC's [http://creativecommons.org/about/pdm Public Domain Mark].

Note that, in some cases, a work may be in the public domain under the copyright laws of some jurisdictions but not others. For example, U.S. government works are in the public domain under the copyright law of the United States, but may be protected by copyright laws in other jurisdictions. A CC license applied to such a work would be effective (and the license restrictions enforceable) in jurisdictions where copyright protection exists, but would not be operative if U.S. copyright law is determined to be the applicable law.

Creators may also apply Creative Commons licenses to material they create that are adapted from public domain works, or to remixed material, databases, or collections that include work in the public domain. However, in each of these instances, the license does not affect parts of the work that are unrestricted by copyright or similar rights. We strongly encourage you to [[Marking/Creators/Marking_third_party_content|mark the public domain material]], so that others know they are also free to use this material without legal restriction.


====If I take a photograph of another work that is in the public domain, can I apply a CC license to my photo? ====
That depends. You can apply a CC license to your photograph if your photograph constitutes a work of original authorship, a question that varies by jurisdiction. As a general matter, your photograph must involve some creative choices, such as background setting, lighting, angle, or other mark of creativity. In the United States, an exact photographic copy of a public domain work is not subject to copyright because there is no originality (even if there is effort or “sweat” exerted in its creation).

In practice, if your photograph is sufficiently creative to attract copyright protection, people will likely have to comply with the license conditions if they reproduce your entire photograph in verbatim form, absent some applicable exception or limitation such as fair use. However, [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not.2C_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|they would not have to comply with the license conditions if they reproduce only those parts of the work in the public domain]]. This is because your copyright in the adaptation only extends to the material you contributed, not to the underlying work.

====May I apply a CC license to my work if it incorporates material used under fair use or another exception or limitation to copyright?====
Yes, but it is important to prominently mark any third party material you incorporate into your work so reusers do not think the CC license applies to that material. The CC license only applies to the rights you have in the work. For example, if your CC-licensed slide deck includes a Flickr image you are using pursuant to fair use, make sure to identify that image as not being subject to the CC license. For more information about incorporating work owned by others, see our page about [[Marking/Creators/Marking_third_party_content|marking third party content]]. Read more considerations for licensors [[Before_Licensing#Considerations_for_licensors|here]].

===Rights other than copyright===
====Can I use CC licenses to license rights other than copyright?====
CC licenses are copyright licenses, but the latest version of CC licenses also cover certain other rights similar to copyright, including [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_are_neighboring_rights.3F|performance, broadcast, and sound recording rights]], as well as [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]]. You may apply a 4.0 license to material subject to any of those rights, whether or not the material is also subject to copyright. Note that the scope of prior versions of CC licenses was more limited. You should refer to our [[License Versions|license versions page]] for details.

====How do Creative Commons licenses affect my moral rights, if at all?====
As a general matter, all CC licenses preserve [[#What_are_moral_rights.3F|moral rights]] to the extent they exist (they do not exist everywhere), but allow uses of the work in ways contemplated by the license that might otherwise violate moral rights. If you apply a 4.0 license to your material, you agree to waive or not assert any moral rights you have, to the limited extent necessary to allow the public to exercise the licensed rights. This is designed to minimize the effect of moral rights on licensees’ ability to use the work, and ensure that the license works internationally as intended. The attribution requirement contained in all of our licenses is intended to satisfy the moral right of attribution, but it must be adhered to whether or not the applicable jurisdiction recognizes moral rights.

[[License Versions|Earlier versions]] of the license are also intended to minimize the effect of moral rights on otherwise-permitted uses, but the language in the licenses differs. Additionally, jurisdiction ports of earlier versions of CC licenses often contain versions of the moral rights language designed to account for moral rights legislation in a particular jurisdiction. If you are applying a ported license to your work, you may wish to review the moral rights language in the particular license.

You can also [[Jurisdiction_Database|compare how different jurisdictions have implemented this provision]], or [[License_versions|browse the license versions page]] to compare the treatment of this issue across the different versions of the CC licenses.



====Can I offer material under a CC license that has my trademark on it without also licensing or affecting rights in the trademark?====
Yes, you may offer material under a Creative Commons license that includes a trademark indicating the source of the work without affecting rights in the trademark, because trademark rights are not licensed by the CC licenses. However, applying the CC license may create an implied license to use the trademark in connection with the licensed material, although not in ways that require permission under trademark law. To avoid any uncertainty, Creative Commons recommends that licensors who wish to mark material with trademarks or other branding materials give notice to licensors expressly disclaiming application of the license to those elements. This can be done in the copyright notice, but could also be noted on the website where the work is published.

The following is an example notice:

“''The text of and illustrations in this document are licensed by Red Hat under a Creative Commons Attribution–Share Alike 3.0 Unported license ("CC-BY-SA"). . . . Red Hat, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, the Shadowman logo, JBoss, MetaMatrix, Fedora, the Infinity Logo, and RHCE are trademarks of Red Hat, Inc., registered in the United States and other countries. For guidelines on the permitted uses of the Fedora trademarks, refer to https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Legal:Trademark_guidelines.''”

====How are publicity, privacy, and personality rights affected when I apply a CC license? ====
When you apply the latest version (4.0) of a CC license to your material, you also agree to waive or not assert any [[#What_are_publicity.2C_personality.2C_and_privacy_rights.3F|publicity, privacy, or personality rights]] that you hold in the material you are licensing, to the limited extent necessary for others to exercise the licensed rights. For example, if you have licensed a photograph of yourself, you may not assert your right of privacy to have the photo removed from further distribution. (Under the 3.0 and earlier licenses, this is implied but not explicit.) If you do not wish to license these rights in this way, you should not apply a CC license to the material where this is a concern.

If there are any third parties who may have publicity, privacy, or personality rights that apply, those rights are not affected by your application of a CC license, and a reuser must seek permission for relevant uses. If you are aware of any such third party rights in the material you are licensing, we recommend [[Marking/Creators/Marking_third_party_content|marking the material]] to give notice to reusers.

===Business models===

====Can I apply a CC license to low-resolution copies of a licensed work and reserve more rights in high-resolution copies?====
You may license your copyright or distribute your work under more than one set of terms. For example, you may publish a photograph on your website, but only distribute high-resolution copies to people who have paid for access. This is a practice CC supports. However, if the low-resolution and high-resolution copies are the [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_do_I_know_if_a_low-resolution_photo_and_a_high-resolution_photo_are_the_same_work.3F|same work under applicable copyright law]], permission under a CC license is not limited to a particular copy, and someone who receives a copy in high resolution may use it under the terms of the CC license applied to the low-resolution copy.

Note that, although CC [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_enter_into_separate_or_supplemental_agreements_with_users_of_my_work.3F|strongly discourages the practice]], CC cannot prevent licensors from attempting to impose restrictions through separate agreements on uses the license otherwise would allow. In that case, licensees may be [[FAQ#What_if_I_have_received_CC-licensed_material_with_additional_restrictions.3F|contractually restricted]] from using the high-resolution copy, for example, even if the licensor has placed a CC license on the low-resolution copy.

====Can I use a Creative Commons license if I am a member of a collecting society?====

Creators and other rights holders may wish to check with their [[#What_are_collecting_societies.3F|collecting society]] before applying a CC license to their material. Many rights holders who are members of a collecting society can waive the right to collect royalties for uses allowed under the license, but only to the extent their societies allow.

Collecting societies in several countries including Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Norway, Spain, Taiwan, and the Netherlands take an assignment of rights from creators in present and future works and manage them, so that the societies effectively become the owner of these rights. (In France it is called a “mandate” of rights but has similar practical effect.) Creators in these jurisdictions who belong to collecting societies may not be able to license their material under CC licenses because the collecting societies own the necessary rights, not the creators. CC is [[Collecting_Society_Projects|working with several collecting societies]] and running pilot programs that allow creators to use CC licenses in some circumstances.

If you are already a member of a collecting society and want to use CC licenses, you are welcome to encourage your collecting society to give you the option of Creative Commons licensing.

====Can I still make money from a work I make available under a Creative Commons license?====
Yes. One of our goals is to encourage creators and rights holders to experiment with new ways to promote and market their work. There are several possible ways of doing this.

CC's [[#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F|NonCommercial (NC)]] licenses allow rights holders to maximize distribution while maintaining control of the commercialization of their works. If you want to reserve the right to commercialize your work, you may do this by choosing a license with the NC condition. If someone else wants to use your work commercially and you have applied an NC license to your work, they must first get your permission. As the rights holder, you may still sell your own work commercially.

You may also use funding models that do not depend on using an NC license. For example, many artists and creators use crowdfunding to fund their work before releasing it under a less restrictive license. Others use a “freemium” model where the basic content is free, but extras such as a physical printed version or special access to a members-only website are for paying customers only.

For more information and ideas, [http://thepowerofopen.org/ The Power of Open] presents case studies of artists, businesspeople, and organizations who use CC.

===Alterations and additions to the license===

====Can I insist on the exact placement of the attribution credit?====
No. CC licenses allow for flexibility in the way credit is provided depending on the medium, means, and context in which a licensee is redistributing licensed material. For example, providing attribution to the creator when using licensed material in a blog post may be different than doing so in a video remix. This flexibility facilitates compliance by licensees and reduces uncertainty about different types of reuse—minimizing the risk that overly onerous and inflexible attribution requirements are simply disregarded.


====Can I change the license terms or conditions?====
Yes—but if you change the terms and conditions of any Creative Commons license, you ''must no longer call, label, or describe the license as a “Creative Commons” or “CC” license'', nor can you use the [http://creativecommons.org/policies Creative Commons logos, buttons, or other trademarks] in connection with the modified license or your materials. Keep in mind that altering terms and conditions is distinct from [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_waive_license_terms_or_conditions.3F|waiving existing conditions or granting additional permissions]] than those in the licenses. Licensors may always do so, and many choose to do so using the [[CCPlus|CC+ protocol]] to readily signal the waiver or additional permission on the CC license deed.

CC does not assert copyright in the text of its licenses, so you are permitted to modify the text as long as you do not use the CC marks to describe it. However, we do not recommend this. We also advise against [[Modifying_the_CC_licenses|modifying our licenses]] through indirect means, such as in your terms of service. A modified license very likely will not be compatible with the same CC license (unmodified) applied to other material. This would prevent licensees from using, combining, or remixing content under your customized license with other content under the same or compatible CC licenses.

Modifying licenses creates friction that confuses users and undermines the key benefits of public, standardized licenses. Central to our licenses is the grant of a standard set of permissions in advance, without requiring users to ask for permission or seek clarification before using the work. This encourages sharing and facilitates reuse, since everyone knows what to expect and the burden of negotiating permissions on a case by case basis is eliminated.

====Can I waive license terms or conditions?====
Yes. You may always choose to waive some license terms or conditions. Material licensed under a CC license but with additional permissions granted or conditions waived may be compatibly licensed with other material under the same license. Our [[CCPlus |CC+ protocol]] provides a mechanism for facilitating that grant or waiver.


====Can I enter into separate or supplemental agreements with users of my work?====
Yes. CC licenses are nonexclusive. Licensors always have the option of entering into separate arrangements for the sharing of their material in addition to applying a CC license. However, those different arrangements are not “CC” or “Creative Commons” licenses.

'''Separate agreements:''' You may offer the licensed material under other licenses in addition to the CC license (a practice commonly referred to as "dual licensing"). For example, you may wish to license a video game soundtrack under both a CC license and the GPL, so that it may be used under either set of terms. A reuser may then choose which set of terms to comply with. Or, for example, you may offer your material to the public under a NonCommercial license, but offer commercial permissions to fee-paying customers.

'''Supplemental agreements:''' Problems arise when licensors design those terms or arrangements to serve not as separate, alternative licensing arrangements but as supplemental terms [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_change_the_license_terms_or_conditions.3F|having the effect of changing the standard terms within the CC license]]. While you may offer separate terms and conditions to other parties, you should not do so in such a way that would neutralize terms of the CC license.

Except in the limited situation where [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_waive_license_terms_or_conditions.3F|more permissions are being granted or license conditions are waived]], if the additional arrangement modifies or conflicts with the CC license terms, then the resulting licensing arrangement is no longer a CC licensing arrangement. To avoid confusing those who may mistakenly believe the work is licensed under standard CC terms, we must insist that in these instances licensors not use our [http://creativecommons.org/policies trademarks, names, and logos] in connection with their custom licensing arrangement.

It should be noted that any agreements you make with other parties only have an effect on the other parties to that agreement, and do not apply to anyone else receiving the licensed material. For example, if there are terms of use that apply to visitors to your website on which you host CC-licensed material, your terms of use may apply to visitors to that website, but not to anyone who receives copies of the CC-licensed material elsewhere. Even for the visitors to your website, any separate terms and conditions do not become part of the license—they remain a separate contractual agreement, and violation of this agreement does not constitute copyright infringement.

===After licensing===


====What happens if I offer my material under a Creative Commons license and someone misuses them?====
A CC license [[#How_can_I_lose_my_rights_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F_If_that_happens.2C_how_do_I_get_them_back.3F|terminates automatically]] when its conditions are violated. For example, if a reuser of CC-licensed material does not provide the attribution required when sharing the work, then the user no longer has the right to continue using the material and may be liable for copyright infringement. The license is terminated for the user who violated the license. However, all other users still have a valid license, so long as they are in compliance.

Under the 4.0 licenses, a licensee automatically gets these rights back if she fixes the violation within 30 days of discovering it.

If you apply a Creative Commons license and a user violates the license conditions, you may opt to contact the person directly to ask them to rectify the situation or consult a lawyer to act on your behalf. Creative Commons is not a law firm and cannot represent you or give you legal advice, but there are [[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F|lawyers who have identified themselves as interested in representing people in CC-related matters]].


====What can I do if I offer my material under a Creative Commons license and I do not like the way someone uses it?====
As long as users abide by license terms and conditions, licensors cannot control how the material is used. However, CC licenses do provide several mechanisms that allow licensors to choose not to be associated with their material or to uses of their material with which they disagree.

First, all CC licenses [[#Do_I_need_to_be_aware_of_anything_else_when_providing_attribution.3F|prohibit using the attribution requirement to suggest that the licensor endorses or supports a particular use]]. Second, licensors may waive the attribution requirement, choosing not to be identified as the licensor, if they wish. Third, if the licensor does not like how the material has been modified or used, CC licenses require that the licensee [[License_Versions#Licensors_may_request_removal_of_attribution|remove the attribution information upon request]]. (In 3.0 and earlier, this is only a requirement for adaptations and collections; in 4.0, this also applies to the unmodified work.) Finally, anyone modifying licensed material must [[License_Versions#Modifications_and_adaptations_must_be_indicated|indicate that the original has been modified]]. This ensures that changes made to the original material--whether or not the licensor approves of them--are not attributed back to the licensor.



====What do I do if someone tries to place effective technological measures (such as DRM) on my CC-licensed material?====
The use of [[#Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_use_effective_technological_measures_.28such_as_DRM.29_when_I_share_CC-licensed_material.3F|any effective technical protection measures (such as digital rights management or "DRM")]] by licensees to prevent others from exercising the licensed rights is prohibited.

Not all kinds of encryption or [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_share_CC-licensed_material_on_password-protected_sites.3F|access limitations]] are prohibited by the licenses. For example, sending content via email and encrypting it with the recipient's public key does not restrict use of the work by the recipient. Likewise, limiting recipients to a particular set of users (for example, by requiring a username and password to enter a site) does not restrict further use of the content by the recipients. In these examples, these things do not prevent the recipient from exercising all of the rights granted by the license, including the right to redistribute it further.

If someone is applying effective technological measures to your CC-licensed material that do restrict exercise of the licensed rights (such as applying DRM that restricts copying), this is a violation of the license terms unless you have chosen to grant this permission separately.

====When I release my work under a CC license in one format (e.g., .pdf), can I restrict licensees from changing it to or using it in other formats?====
No. CC licenses grant permission to use the licensed material in any media or format regardless of the format in which it has been made available. This is true even if you have applied a NoDerivatives license to your work. Once a CC license is applied to a work in one format or medium, a licensee may use the same work in any other format or medium without violating the licensor’s copyright.


====What if I change my mind about using a CC license?====

CC licenses are not revocable. Once something has been published under a CC license, licensees may continue using it according to the license terms for the duration of applicable copyright and similar rights. As a licensor, you may stop distributing under the CC license at any time, but anyone who has access to a copy of the material may continue to redistribute it under the CC license terms. While you cannot revoke the license, CC licenses do provide a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_can_I_do_if_I_offer_my_work_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_I_do_not_like_the_way_someone_uses_my_work.3F|mechanism]] for licensors to ask that others using their material remove the attribution information. You should [[Considerations for licensors and licensees|think carefully before choosing a Creative Commons license]].

==For Licensees==
===Before using CC-licensed material===


====What should I think about before using material offered under a Creative Commons license?====
CC offers [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ six core licenses], each of which grants a different set of permissions. Before you use CC-licensed material, [http://creativecommons.org/about/licenses/ you should review the terms of the particular license] to be sure your anticipated use is permitted. If you wish to use the work in a manner that is not permitted by the license, you should contact the rights holder (often the creator) to get permission first, or look for an alternative work that is licensed in a way that permits your anticipated use. Note that if you use material in a way that is not permitted by the applicable license and your use is not otherwise permitted by an applicable copyright exception or limitation, the license is [[#How_can_I_lose_my_rights_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F_If_that_happens.2C_how_do_I_get_them_back.3F|automatically terminated]] and you may be liable for copyright infringement, even if you are eligible to have your rights reinstated later.

Before using material offered under a Creative Commons license, you should know that [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_a_Creative_Commons_license_give_me_all_the_rights_I_need_to_use_the_work.3F|CC licenses only grant permissions needed under copyright and similar rights]], and there may be additional rights you need to use it as intended. You should also understand that licensors do not offer warranties or guarantees about the material they are licensing unless expressly indicated otherwise. All materials are licensed "AS IS" and a disclaimer of warranties applies unless expressly provided otherwise. If you want to ask for a warranty or guarantee about rights to use the material, you should talk with the licensor before using it.


====Does a Creative Commons license give me all the rights I need to use the work?====
It depends. CC licenses do not license rights other than copyright and [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_use_CC_licenses_to_license_rights_other_than_copyright.3F|similar rights]] (which include [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]] in version 4.0). For example, they do not license trademark or patent rights, or the [[#What_are_publicity.2C_personality.2C_and_privacy_rights.3F|publicity, personality, and privacy rights]] of third parties. However, licensors agree to waive or not assert any [[#What_are_moral_rights.3F|moral rights]], publicity rights, personality rights, or privacy rights they themselves hold, to the limited extent necessary to allow exercise of the licensed rights. Any rights outside of the scope of the license may require clearance (i.e., permission) in order to use the work as you would like.

Additionally, creative works sometimes incorporate works owned by others (known as "third party content"), often used pursuant to a CC license or under an exception or limitation to copyright such as fair use in the U.S. You should make sure you have permission to use any third party content contained in the work you want to use, or that your use is otherwise allowed under the laws of your jurisdiction, particularly in cases such as fair use where your right to use the content depends on the particular context in which you plan to use it.

All CC licenses contain a disclaimer of warranties, meaning that the licensor is not guaranteeing anything about the work, including whether she owns the copyright, has received permission to include third-party content within her work, or secured other rights such as through the use of model releases if a person's image is used in the work. You [[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F|may wish to obtain legal advice]] before using CC-licensed material if you are not sure whether you have all the rights you need.

====What if there are sui generis database rights that apply to my use of a CC-licensed database?====
In the somewhat limited circumstances where sui generis database rights apply to your use, special conditions apply and there are more specific considerations you should be aware of. Under 4.0, sui generis database rights are licensed alongside copyright, but the treatment in earlier versions of the license varies. A fuller explanation of these variations and related considerations is available in the [[Data|Data FAQ]].

====Where can I find material offered under a CC license?====
If you are looking for material offered under a Creative Commons license, [http://search.creativecommons.org/ CC Search] is a good starting point. There is also a [[Content_Directories|directory]] of organizations and individuals who use CC licenses. Some media sites, such as [http://www.flickr.com/ Flickr], have search filters for material licensed using CC's licenses.

Be sure to confirm that the material you want to use is actually under a CC license, as search results may sometimes be misleading.


====Are Creative Commons works really free to use?====
Yes. While many if not most CC-licensed works are available at no cost, some licensors charge for initial access to CC-licensed works—for example, by publishing CC-licensed content only to subscribers, or by charging for downloads. However, even if you have paid an access charge, once you have a copy of CC-licensed material, you may make any further uses permitted by the license without paying licensing fees.

(If you wish to make uses that are not permitted by the license—for example, making a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F|commercial use]] of an NC-licensed photo—the licensor may charge for those additional rights.)

====What should I know about differences between the international licenses and the ported licenses?====
As a licensee, you should always read and understand the relevant license's legal code before using CC-licensed material, particularly if you are using material that is licensed using a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F|ported license]] with which you are unfamiliar. Our porting process involved adapting the international licenses to the legal framework of different jurisdictions, and in that process slight adjustments may have been made that you should make yourself aware of in advance of using the material. You can find more information about the ported licenses in the [[Jurisdiction Database]].

There are currently no ported versions of 4.0, and we expect there will be few, if any, in the future. All official translations of the 4.0 international licenses are equivalent: you may substitute one for another depending on your preferred language.

However, the ported versions of 3.0 and earlier sometimes contain small differences from the international license depending on the ways in which they have been adapted to their jurisdictions. For example, a handful of the ported licenses contain provisions specifying which laws will apply in the event the licensor chooses to enforce the license, and a few of the ported licenses contain forum selection clauses.

===General license compliance===


====What happens if I want to use the material in a way that is not permitted by the license?====
Contact the rights holders to ask for permission. Otherwise, [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not.2C_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|unless an exception or limitation to copyright applies]], your use of the material may violate the Creative Commons license. If you violate the terms of the license, your rights to use the material will be [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_can_I_lose_my_rights_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F_If_that_happens.2C_how_do_I_get_them_back.3F|automatically terminated]], and you may be liable for copyright infringement.

====Do I always have to comply with the license terms? If not, what are the exceptions?====
You need to comply with the license terms if what you are doing would otherwise require permission from the rights holder. If your use would not require permission from the rights holder because it falls under an exception or limitation, such as fair use, or because the material has come into the public domain, the license does not apply, and you do not need to comply with its terms and conditions. Additionally, if you are using an excerpt small enough to be uncopyrightable, the license does not apply to your use, and you do not need to comply with its terms.

However, if you are using excerpts of CC-licensed material which individually are minimal and do not require license compliance, but together make up a significant copyrightable chunk, you must comply with the license terms. For example, if you quote many individual lines from a poem across several sections of a blog post, and your use is not a fair use, you must comply with the license even though no individual line would have been a substantial enough portion of the work to require this.

===Attribution===


====How do I properly attribute material offered under a Creative Commons license?====
All CC licenses require users to attribute the creator of licensed material, unless the creator has [[#Can_I_waive_license_terms_or_conditions.3F|waived that requirement]], not supplied a name, or [[#What_can_I_do_if_I_offer_my_material_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_I_do_not_like_the_way_someone_uses_it.3F|asked that her name be removed]]. Additionally, you must retain a copyright notice, a link to the license (or to the deed), a license notice, a notice about the disclaimer of warranties, and a URI if reasonable. For versions prior to 4.0, you must also provide the title of the work. (Though it is not a requirement in 4.0, it is still recommended if one is supplied.)

You must also indicate if you have [[License_Versions#Modifications_and_adaptations_must_be_marked_as_such|modified the work]]—for example, if you have taken an excerpt, or cropped a photo. (For versions prior to 4.0, this is only required if you have created an adaptation by contributing your own creative material, but it is recommended even when not required.) It is not necessary to note trivial alterations, such as correcting a typo or changing a font size. Finally, you must retain an indication of previous modifications to the work.

CC licenses have a flexible attribution requirement, so there is not necessarily one correct way to provide attribution. The proper method for giving credit will depend on the medium and means you are using, and may be implemented in any reasonable manner. Additionally, you may satisfy the attribution requirement by providing a link to a place where the attribution information may be found.

While the attribution requirements in the license are the minimum requirement, we always recommend that you [[Marking/Users|follow the best practices]] for the kind of use you are making. For example, if you are using scientific data marked with CC0, you are not required to give attribution at all, but we recommend that you give the same credit you would give to any other source—not because the license requires it, but because that is the standard for letting others know the source of the data.

The CC website offers some [[Marking/Users|best practices]] to help you attribute properly, and the [http://www.creativecommons.org.au/ CC Australia] team has developed a [http://creativecommons.org.au/content/attributingccmaterials.pdf helpful guide to attributing CC-licensed material (.pdf)] in different formats. Note that the attribution and marking requirements vary slightly among license versions. See [[License_Versions#Detailed_attribution_comparison_chart|here for a chart comparing the specific requirements]].


====Do I need to be aware of anything else when providing attribution?====
Yes. You need to be careful not to imply any sponsorship, endorsement, or connection with the licensor or attribution party without their permission. Wrongfully implying that a creator, publisher, or anyone else endorses you or your use of a work may be unlawful. Creative Commons makes the obligation not to imply endorsement explicit in its licenses. In addition, if the licensor of a work [[#What_can_I_do_if_I_offer_my_material_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_I_do_not_like_the_way_someone_uses_it.3F|requests that you remove the identifying credit]], you must do so to the extent practical.

Additionally, when you are using a work that is an adaptation of one or more pre-existing works, you may need to [[Marking/Creators/Marking_third_party_content|give credit to the creator(s) of the pre-existing work(s)]], in addition to giving credit to the creator of the adaptation.

====Do I always have to attribute the creator of the licensed material?====
You must attribute the creator when you provide material to the public by any means that is restricted by copyright or similar rights. If you are using the material personally but are not making it or any adaptations of it available to others, you do not have to attribute the licensor. Similarly, if you are only distributing the material or adaptations of it within your company or organization, you do not have to comply with the attribution requirement. Learn [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not.2C_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|more]] about when compliance with the license is not required.

===Using licensed material===


====Does my use violate the NonCommercial clause of the licenses?====
CC's NonCommercial (NC) licenses prohibit uses that are "primarily intended for or directed toward commercial advantage or monetary compensation." This is intended to capture the intention of the NC-using community without placing detailed restrictions that are either too broad or too narrow. Please note that CC's definition does not turn on the type of user: if you are a nonprofit or charitable organization, your use of an NC-licensed work could still run afoul of the NC restriction, and if you are a for-profit entity, your use of an NC-licensed work does not necessarily mean you have violated the term. Whether a use is commercial will depend on the specifics of the situation and the intentions of the user.

In CC's experience, it is usually relatively easy to determine whether a use is permitted, and known conflicts are relatively few considering the popularity of the NC licenses. However, there will always be uses that are challenging to categorize as commercial or noncommercial. CC cannot advise you on what is and is not commercial use. If you are unsure, you should either contact the rights holder for clarification, or search for works that permit commercial uses.

In 2008, [[Defining_Noncommercial|Creative Commons published results]] from a survey on meanings of commercial and noncommercial use generally. Note that the results of the study are not intended to serve as CC's official interpretation of what is and is not commercial use under our licenses, and the results should not be relied upon as such.

====Can I take a CC-licensed work and use it in a different format?====
Yes. When any of the six CC licenses is applied to material, licensees are granted permission to use the material as the license allows, whatever the media or format chosen by the user when it is used or distributed further. This is true even in our NoDerivatives licenses. This is one of a very few default rules established in our licenses, to harmonize what may be different outcomes depending on where CC-licensed material is reused and what jurisdiction’s copyright law applies.

This means, for example, that even if a creator distributes a work in digital format, you have permission to print and share a hard copy of the same work.


====How do I know if a low-resolution photo and a high-resolution photo are the same work?====
As with most copyright questions, it will depend on applicable law. Generally, to be different works under copyright law, there must be expressive or original choices made that make one work a separate and distinct work from another. The determination depends on the standards for copyright in the relevant jurisdiction.

Under U.S. copyright law, for example, mechanical reproduction of a work into a different format [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridgeman_Art_Library_v._Corel_Corp. is unlikely to create a separate, new work]. Consequently, digitally enhancing or changing the format of a work ''absent some originality'', such as expressive choices made in the enhancement or encoding, will not likely create a separate work for copyright purposes. The creative bar is low, but it is not non-existent. Accordingly, in some jurisdictions releasing a photograph under a CC license will give the public permission to reuse the photograph in a different resolution.

====Can I use effective technological measures (such as DRM) when I share CC-licensed material?====
No. When you receive material under a Creative Commons license, you may not place additional terms and conditions on the reuse of the work. This includes using effective technological measures (ETMs) that would restrict a licensee’s ability to exercise the licensed rights.

A technological measure is considered an ETM if circumventing it carries penalties under laws fulfilling obligations under Article 11 of the WIPO Copyright Treaty adopted on December 20, 1996, or similar international agreements. Generally, this means that the anti-circumvention laws of various jurisdictions would cover attempts to break it.

For example, if you remix a CC-licensed song, and you wish to share it on a music site that places digital copy-restriction on all uploaded files, you may not do this without express permission from the licensor. However, if you upload that same file to your own site or any other site that does not apply DRM to the file, and a listener chooses to stream it through an app that applies DRM, you have not violated the license.

Note that merely converting material into a different format that is difficult to access or is only available for certain platforms does not violate the restriction; you may do this without violating the license terms.

====Can I share CC-licensed material on password-protected sites?====
Yes. This is not considered to be a prohibited measure, so long as the protection is merely limiting who may access the content, and does not restrict the authorized recipients from exercising the licensed rights. For example, you may post material under any CC license on a site restricted to members of a certain school, or to paying customers, but [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_use_effective_technological_measures_.28such_as_DRM.29_when_I_share_CC-licensed_material.3F|you may not place effective technological measures (including DRM) on the files]] that prevents them from sharing the material elsewhere.

(Note that charging for access may not be permitted with NC-licensed material; however, it is not disallowed by the restriction on ETMs.)

====Can I share CC-licensed material on file-sharing networks?====
Yes. All CC licenses allow redistribution of the unmodified material by any means, including distribution via file-sharing networks. Note that file-trading is expressly considered to be noncommercial for purposes of compliance with the NC licenses. Barter of NC-licensed material for other items of value is not permitted.

===Additional restrictions on licensed material===

====What if I received CC-licensed material encumbered with effective technological measures (such as DRM)?====
If you have received material under a CC license that is encumbered with effective technological measures (such as digital rights management or DRM), you may or may not be permitted to break it, depending on the circumstances. By releasing material under a CC license, the licensor agrees not to assert any rights she may have to prevent the circumvention of effective technological measures. (Under the 3.0 and earlier licenses, this is implied but not explicit.) However, if she has uploaded it to a site or other distribution channel that itself applies such measures, that site may have the right to prevent you from breaking them, even though the licensor herself cannot do so.

Note that anti-circumvention laws can impose criminal liability in some jurisdictions.

====What if I have received CC-licensed material with additional restrictions?====
It is possible that CC-licensed material will appear on platforms that impose terms in addition to the copyright license (though [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_enter_into_separate_or_supplemental_agreements_with_users_of_my_work.3F|Creative Commons strongly discourages restrictions that interfere with exercise of the licensed rights]]). These additional terms do not form part of the license for the work. For example, if you download CC-licensed material from a site that does not permit downloading, you may be breaking the terms of use of the site, but you are not infringing the CC license.

===Combining and adapting CC material===

====When is my use considered an adaptation?====
Whether a modification of licensed material is considered an [[#What_is_an_adaptation.3F|adaptation]] for the purpose of CC licenses depends primarily on the applicable copyright law. Copyright law reserves to an original creator the right to create adaptations of the original work. CC licenses that allow for adaptations to be shared—all except BY-ND and BY-NC-ND—grant permission to others to create and redistribute adaptations when doing so would otherwise constitute a violation of applicable copyright law. Generally, a modification rises to the level of an adaptation under copyright law when the modified work is based on the prior work but manifests sufficient new creativity to be copyrightable, such as a translation of a novel from one language to another, or the creation of a screenplay based on a novel.

Under CC licenses, synching music in timed relation with a moving image is always considered an adaptation, whether or not it would be considered so under applicable law. Also, under version 4.0, certain uses of databases restricted by sui generis database rights also constitute adaptations (called "Adapted Material" in the 4.0 licenses), whether or not they would be considered adaptations under copyright law. For more details about adaptations in the database context, see the [[Data|Data FAQ]].

Note that all CC licenses allow the user to exercise the rights permitted under the license [[#Can_I_take_a_CC-licensed_work_and_use_it_in_a_different_format.3F|in any format or medium]]. Those changes are not considered adaptations even if applicable law would suggest otherwise. For example, you may redistribute a book that uses the CC [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ BY-NC-ND] license in print form when it was originally distributed online, even if you have had to make formatting changes to do so, as long as you do so in compliance with the other terms of the license.

'''''Note on terminology: throughout these FAQs, we use the term "remix" interchangeably with “adapt.” Both are designed to mean doing something that constitutes an [[FAQ#What_is_an_adaptation.3F|adaptation under copyright law]].'''''




====Can I combine material under different Creative Commons licenses in my work?====
It depends. The first question to ask is whether doing so constitutes an [[FAQ#When_is_my_use_considered_an_adaptation.3F|adaptation.]] If the combination does '''''not''''' create an adaptation, then you may combine any CC-licensed content so long as you provide attribution and comply with the NonCommercial restriction if it applies. If you want to combine material in a way that results in the creation of an adaptation (i.e. a “remix”), then you must pay attention to the particular license that applies to the content you want to combine.

The NoDerivatives licenses do not permit remixing except for private use (the pre-4.0 licenses do not permit remixing at all, except as allowed by exceptions and limitations to copyright). All the other CC licenses allow remixes, but may impose limitations or conditions on how the remix may be used. For example, if you create a remix with material licensed under a ShareAlike license, you need to make sure that all of the material contributed to the remix is licensed under the same license or [http://creativecommons.org/compatiblelicenses one that CC has named as compatible], and you must [[Marking/Users|properly credit all of the sources]] with the [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_do_I_properly_attribute_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F|required attribution]] and license information. Similarly, if you want to use a remix for [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F|commercial purposes]], you cannot incorporate material released under one of the NonCommercial licenses.

The chart below shows which CC-licensed material can be remixed. To use the chart, find a license on the left column and on the top right row. If there is a check mark in the box where that row and column intersect, then the works can be remixed. If there is an “X” in the box, then the works may not be remixed unless an exception or limitation applies. See [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#If_I_derive_or_adapt_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.2C_which_CC_license.28s.29_can_I_use.3F|below for details on how remixes may be licensed]].

[[File:CC_License_Compatibility_Chart.png|thumb|center|800px|alt=Creative Commons License Compatibility Chart|]]




====If I derive or adapt material offered under a Creative Commons license, which CC license(s) can I use?====
If you make [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#When_is_my_use_considered_an_adaptation.3F|adaptations]] of material under a CC license (i.e. "remix"), the original CC license always applies to the material you are adapting even once adapted. The license you may choose for your own contribution (called your "adapter's license") depends on which license applies to the original material. Recipients of the adaptation must comply with both the CC license on the original and your adapter’s license.

:=====BY and BY-NC material=====
When remixing BY or BY-NC material, it is generally recommended that your adapter's license include at least the same license elements as the license applied to the original material. This eases reuse for downstream users because they are able to satisfy both licenses by complying with the adapter's license. For example, if you adapt material licensed under BY-NC, your adapter's license should also contain the NC restriction. See the chart below for more details.

:=====BY-SA and BY-NC-SA material=====
In general, when remixing ShareAlike content, your adapter's license must be the same license as the license on the material you are adapting. All licenses after version 1.0 also allow you to license your contributions under a later version of the same license, and some also allow ported licenses. (See the [[License_Versions#Compatibility_mechanism_in_BY-SA_licenses|license versions page]] for details.) If you wish to adapt material under BY-SA or BY-NC-SA and release your contributions under a non-CC license, you should visit the [http://creativecommons.org/compatiblelicenses Compatibility page] to see which options are allowed. Currently, no non-CC licenses are listed as compatible.

:=====BY-ND and BY-NC-ND material=====
The BY-ND and BY-NC-ND licenses do not permit distribution of adaptations (also known as remixes or derivative works), and prohibits the creation of adaptations under the pre-4.0 versions of those licenses. Since you may not share remixes of these materials at all, there is no compatibility with other licenses. (Note that the ND licenses do allow you to reproduce the material in unmodified form together with other material in a collection, as indicated in the next FAQ.)

:=====Adapter's license chart=====
The chart below details the CC license(s) you may use as your adapter's license. When creating an adaptation of material under the license identified in the lefthand column, you may license your contributions to the adaptation under one of the licenses indicated on the top row if the corresponding box is green. If the box is yellow, you should proceed with caution. CC does not recommend using these combinations, although they are technically permitted by the terms of the license. You should take additional care to mark the adaptation as involving multiple copyrights under different terms so that downstream users are aware of their obligations to comply with the licenses from all rights holders. Dark gray boxes indicate those licenses that you may not use as your adapter's license.

{| style="width:600px;" border="1" cellpadding="10" class="wiki_table"
|-
| colspan="2" rowspan="2" | '''Adapter's license chart'''
| colspan="7" align="center" | Adapter's license
|-
| BY || BY-NC || BY-NC-ND || BY-NC-SA || BY-ND || BY-SA || PD
|-
| rowspan="7" style="width:12ex;" | Status of original work
| PD || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:yellow;" |  
|-
| BY-NC || style="background-color:yellow;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:yellow;" |   || style="background-color:yellow;" |   || style="background-color:yellow;" |  
|-
| BY-NC-ND || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |  
|-
| BY-NC-SA || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |  
|-
| BY-ND || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |  
|-
| BY-SA || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |  
|-
|}
{| style="width:600px;" border="1" cellpadding="10"
|-
| Abbreviation Key
*BY = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Attribution only]
*BY-ND = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Attribution-NoDerivatives]
*BY-NC-ND = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Attribution-NonCommercial- NoDerivatives]
*BY-NC = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Attribution-NonCommercial]
*BY-NC-SA = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ Attribution-NonCommercial- ShareAlike]
*BY-SA = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ Attribution-ShareAlike]
*PD = Dedicated to or marked as being in the public domain via one of our [http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain public domain tools], or other public domain material; adaptations of materials in the public domain may be built upon and licensed by the creator under any license terms desired.
|-
|}



====If I create a collection that includes a work offered under a CC license, which license(s) may I choose for the collection?====
All Creative Commons licenses (including the version 4.0 licenses) allow licensed material to be included in collections such as anthologies, encyclopedias, and broadcasts. You may choose a license for the collection, however this does not change the license applicable to the original material.

When you include CC-licensed content in a collection, you still must adhere to the license conditions governing your use of the material incorporated. For example, material under any of the Creative Commons NonCommercial licenses cannot be used [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F|commercially]]. The table below indicates what type of CC-licensed works you may incorporate into collections licensed for commercial and noncommercial uses.

{| style="width:400px;" border="1" cellpadding="10" class="wiki_table"
|-
| Original Work ||Commercial Collection (BY, BY-SA, BY-ND) || NonCommercial Collection (BY-NC, BY-NC-SA, BY-NC-ND)
|-
| PD || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-NC ||   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-NC-ND ||   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-NC-SA ||   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-ND || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-SA || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
|}

===License termination===
==== When do Creative Commons licenses expire? ====
Creative Commons licenses expire when the underlying copyright and similar rights expire.

Note that the relevant rights may expire at different times. For example, you may have a CC-licensed song where the rights in the musical arrangement expire before the rights in the lyrics. In this case, when the copyright in the music expires, you may use it [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not.2C_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|without being required to comply with the conditions of the CC license]]; however, you must still comply with the license if you use the lyrics.

====What happens if the author decides to revoke the CC license to material I am using?====
The CC licenses are irrevocable. This means that once you receive material under a CC license, you will always have the right to use it under those license terms, even if the licensor changes his or her mind and stops distributing under the CC license terms. Of course, you may choose to respect the licensor’s wishes and stop using the work.

====How can I lose my rights under a Creative Commons license? If that happens, how do I get them back?====
All of the CC licenses terminate if you fail to follow the license conditions. If this happens, you no longer have a license to use the material.

In the 4.0 licenses, your rights under the license are automatically reinstated if you correct this failure within 30 days of discovering the violation (either on your own or because the licensor or someone else has told you). Under the 3.0 and earlier licenses, there is no automatic reinstatement.

If you have lost your rights under a CC license and are not entitled to automatic reinstatement, you may regain your rights under the license if the licensor expressly grants you permission. You cannot simply re-download the material to get a new license.

Note that you may still be liable for damages for copyright infringement for the period where you were not in compliance with the license.

==Technical Questions==


====How do Creative Commons licenses and public domain tools work technically?====

The Creative Commons licenses have [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ three layers], as does the [http://creativecommons.org/about/cc0 CC0 public domain dedication]: the human-readable deed, the lawyer-readable legal code, and the machine-readable metadata. The [http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/ Public Domain Mark] is not legally operative, and so has only two layers: the human-readable mark and machine-readable metadata.

When material is licensed using any of the CC licenses or tools, it is highly recommended that a [http://creativecommons.org/about/downloads CC button], text, or other marker somehow accompany it. There are many possible modes for marking. For our licenses, people generally use the [http://creativecommons.org/choose CC license chooser] to generate HTML code that can be pasted into the webpage where the licensed material is published. CC0 and the Public Domain Mark have a separate [http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/ chooser]. Many platforms and web services such as [http://www.flickr.com Flickr] and [[Drupal]] support CC licensing directly, allowing you to select an appropriate license. The service then properly marks the work for you.

CC has published some best practices for [[Marking/Creators|marking]] your CC-licensed material, and recommends:

*Including a visual indicator (some combination of text and images) that the work is licensed with one of the CC licenses.
*Clearly indicating what material is covered under the CC license, especially if it's presented alongside non-licensed materials.
*Including a link to the human-readable deed (which itself contains a link to the legal code).
*Embedding [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_does_it_mean_that_Creative_Commons_licenses_are_.22machine_readable.22.3F|machine-readable]] metadata in the code of the license indicator or code of the licensed page.

'''See the [[Marking/Creators|marking]] page for more details.'''

====What does it mean that Creative Commons licenses are "machine-readable"?====

Creative Commons has [[CC REL|specified CC REL]] as a way to associate machine-readable licensing metadata with objects offered under CC licenses.

Before Creative Commons developed this vocabulary, it was difficult for a machine to ascertain whether an object was marked with a CC license. There was also no standard, predictable place to house metadata about that license (for example, the source URL of the work or the required mode of attribution).

Machine-readable metadata based on well-accepted metadata standards creates a platform upon which new services and applications can be built. Software and services can detect CC licenses and the details of that license, as described by the metadata. For example, on many websites and search engines such as Google and Flickr, you can run filtered searches for works offered under specific CC licenses. In addition, CC license deeds can automatically create copy-and-paste attribution code so users may easily comply with the BY condition of the licenses. When you click on a CC license or [http://creativecommons.org/about/downloads button] from a page with license metadata, you get copy-and-paste attribution HTML within that license deed page. That HTML is based on available RDFa metadata in the original material.

All HTML provided by the [http://creativecommons.org/choose CC license chooser] is automatically annotated with [[metadata]] in [[RDFa]] format.



====What is RDFa?====

[[RDFa]] is a method for embedding structured data in a web page. For more information about RDFa, see the following resources:

* [http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml-rdfa-primer/ RDFa Primer]: Bridging the Human and Data Webs
* [http://rdfa.info/ RDFa.info]
* [http://rdfa.info/wiki RDFa Wiki]


====What is CC REL and why does Creative Commons recommend it?====

[http://wiki.creativecommons.org/CC_REL Creative Commons Rights Expression Language] (CC REL) renders information about licenses and works machine-readable through standards that define the semantic web. Creative Commons wants to make it easy for creators and scientists to build upon the works of others when they choose; licensing your work for reuse and ﬁnding properly licensed works to reuse should be easy. CC recommends that you mark your licensed works with CC REL. The Creative Commons license chooser provides HTML annotated with CC REL, while the Creative Commons deeds recognize CC REL on web pages with works offered under a CC license, and use this metadata to enhance the deed for properly marked-up works, e.g., by providing copy and paste HTML that includes work attribution.

For more background information on CC REL, please refer to this [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/images/d/d6/Ccrel-1.0.pdf paper].

====What does it mean for a search engine to be CC-enabled?====

Some search engines (like [http://www.google.com/advanced_search?hl=en Google]) allow people to filter their search results by usage rights so that you can limit your search results according to the particular CC license you seek. For example, if you are looking for a photo to adapt, you can filter your search to return photos that have a CC license that permits creation of adaptations. You can generally find this search feature on the advanced search page of your selected search engine. You can also use [http://search.creativecommons.org CC Search], which offers a convenient interface to search and a list of those content providers that support searches for content based on usage rights.

Please note, however, that you should always double check to make sure that the work you locate through a search is licensed as you wish.




====How do I give users of my site the option to use CC licensing like Flickr does?====

Creative Commons provides tools for integrating license selection with your site. You can find an overview at the Web Integration article on the [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Web_Integration CC wiki]. The [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Partner_Interface Partner Interface] is a good way to get started and will always have the most up-to-date license versions and translations. However, there is also an [http://api.creativecommons.org/docs/ API] available if you want more control.

====How can I change or remove the Creative Commons search option built into the Firefox browser?====

Mozilla has included the Creative Commons search function in many versions of Firefox along with search options for Google, Amazon, and other popular sites. Please take a look at the [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Firefox_and_CC_Search Firefox article on the CC wiki] for an explanation of how to change these features.

If you want to add or remove a particular search option, click on the logo in the search box (for example, the CC logo or the Google logo). This will open the pull down menu, which will allow you to select different search providers. If you choose “Manage Search Engines,” you will be able to add or remove search engines. You can also alter the order in which the search providers appear on the pull down menu.

====Is Creative Commons involved in digital rights management (DRM)?====

No. CC licenses are a form of rights expression, not rights management. CC provides tools to make it easier for creators and owners to say which rights they reserve and permissions they grant. This is different from digital rights management (or “DRM”), which uses technological protection measures to prevent people from using the work in a way that the owner has not permitted.

CC licenses contain language prohibiting licensees from the use of effective technological measures (including DRM) to prevent access to licensed material: ”You may not offer or impose any additional or different terms or conditions on, or apply any Effective Technological Measures to, the Licensed Material if doing so restricts exercise of the Licensed Rights by any such recipient.”

While licensors may apply effective technological measures (ETMs) to their own materials, the licensor provides a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_if_I_received_CC-licensed_material_encumbered_with_effective_technological_measures_.28such_as_DRM.29.3F|limited permission to circumvent these measures]]: “The Licensor waives and/or agrees not to assert any right or authority to forbid You from making technical modifications necessary to exercise the Licensed Rights, including technical modifications necessary to circumvent Effective Technological Measures.” Note that this only applies to effective technological measures applied by licensors themselves: third parties such as distribution platforms may still apply ETMs if the licensor uploads there, and the license is not able to grant you permission to circumvent it.

==Legal Background==

====What is copyright and why does it matter?====

Copyright law grants exclusive rights to creators of original works of authorship. National laws usually extend protections to such works automatically once fixed in a tangible medium, prohibiting the making of copies without the rights holder’s permission, among other things. On the internet, even the most basic activities involve making copies of copyrighted content. As content is increasingly uploaded, downloaded, and shared online, copyright law is becoming more relevant to more people than it was 20 years ago. Unfortunately, infringing copyrights—even unintentionally or unknowingly—can lead to liability. Successful navigation of the internet requires some understanding of copyright law.

====What is the public domain?====

The public domain of copyright refers to the aggregate of those works that are not restricted by copyright within a given jurisdiction. A work may be part of the public domain because the applicable term of copyright has expired, because the rights holder surrendered copyright in the work with a tool like [http://creativecommons.org/about/cc0 CC0], or because the work did not meet the applicable standards for copyrightability.

Because the public domain depends on the copyright laws in force within a particular territory, sometimes a work may be considered “in the public domain” of one jurisdiction, but not in another. For example, [http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#105 U.S. government works are automatically in the public domain under U.S. copyright law], but might be restricted by copyright in other countries.

The [http://publicdomainmanifesto.org/ Public Domain Manifesto], the [http://fairuse.stanford.edu/Copyright_and_Fair_Use_Overview/chapter8/Stanford University Libraries] page, and the [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/CC0_FAQ CC0 FAQs] all contain additional information about the public domain.






====What do I need to do to get a copyright?====

Copyright in most jurisdictions attaches automatically without need for any formality once a creative work is fixed in tangible form (i.e. the minute you put pen to paper, take a photo, or hit the “save” button on your computer).

In some jurisdictions, creators may be required to register with a national agency in order to enforce copyright in court. If you would like more information, please consult the [http://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ip/berne/trtdocs_wo001.html Berne Convention] or [http://www.wipo.int/clea/en/ your jurisdiction's copyright law].

Although you do not have to apply a copyright notice for your work to be protected, it may be a useful tool to clearly signal to people that the work is yours. It also tells the public who to contact about the work.


====What is an adaptation?====

An adaptation is a work based on one or more pre-existing works. What constitutes an adaptation depends on applicable law, however translating a work from one language to another or creating a film version of a novel are generally considered adaptations.

In order for an adaptation to be protected by copyright, most national laws require the creator of the adaptation to add original expression to the pre-existing work. However, there is no international standard for originality, and the definition differs depending on the jurisdiction. Civil law jurisdictions (such as [http://www.wipo.int/clea/en/text_html.jsp?lang=EN&id=1034 Germany] and [http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/html/codes_traduits/cpialtext.htm France]) tend to require that the work contain an imprint of the adapter's personality. Common law jurisdictions (such as the [http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#103 U.S.] or [http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/C-42/index.html Canada]), on the other hand, tend to have a lower threshold for originality, requiring only a minimal level of creativity and “independent conception.” Some countries approach originality completely differently. For example, [http://www.wipo.int/clea/en/text_html.jsp?lang=EN&id=514 Brazil's] copyright code protects all works of the mind that do not fall within the list of works that are expressly defined in the statue as “unprotected works.” Consult [http://www.wipo.int/clea/en/ your jurisdiction's copyright law] for more information.



====What are moral rights?====

Copyright laws in many jurisdictions around the world grant creators “moral rights” in addition to the economic or commercial right to exploit their creative works. Moral rights protect the personal and reputational value of a work for its creator. Moral rights differ by country, and can include the right of attribution, the right to have a work published anonymously or pseudonymously, and/or the right to the integrity of the work. The moral right of integrity may provide creators with a source for redress if an adaptation represents derogatory treatment of their work, typically defined as “distortion or mutilation” of the work or treatment that is “prejudicial to the honor, or reputation of the author.” Not all jurisdictions provide for moral rights.

The CC licenses are intended to minimize the effect of moral rights on a licensee’s ability to use licensed material; however, in some jurisdictions, these rights may still have an effect. CC offers some additional information on [[#How_do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_my_moral_rights.2C_if_at_all.3F |how CC licenses may affect your moral rights]].

====What are neighboring rights?====

Copyright provides an incentive to create works by providing exclusive rights to creators. However, the distribution or exploitation of a work often involves more than just the creator. For example, if someone writes a song, someone else may perform the song, and another may produce the recording of the song. Some jurisdictions extend copyright to the contributions made by these persons; other jurisdictions extend such exclusive rights in the form of neighboring rights. Neighboring rights may include performers' rights or broadcasters' rights, among others. The [http://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ip/rome/summary_rome.html Rome Convention] sets forth some guidelines on the scope of neighboring rights. Not all jurisdictions recognize neighboring rights.

====What are sui generis database rights?====

Sui generis database rights grant qualifying database makers the right to prohibit the extraction and reuse of a substantial portion of a database. The rights are granted to database makers that make a substantial investment of time and resources to create the database. Sui generis database rights are primarily enacted within the European Union and a handful of other jurisdictions.

====What are collecting societies?====

[http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Version_3#International_Harmonization_.E2.80.94_Collecting_Societies Collecting societies] are copyright management organizations. Some examples of collecting societies include ASCAP and BMI (United States), BUMA/STEMRA (Netherlands), PRS (United Kingdom), and APRA (Australia). These societies license works on behalf of their owners and process royalty payments from parties using the copyrighted works.

CC offers additional information on [[#Can_I_use_a_Creative_Commons_license_if_I_am_a_member_of_a_collecting_society.3F | how collecting societies might affect your rights and your ability to apply CC licenses to your work]]. CC has several [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Collecting_Society_Projects pilots] underway with collecting societies that have chosen to allow their members to use CC licenses on a limited basis.



====What are publicity, personality, and privacy rights?====

These terms are used differently in different jurisdictions. Generally speaking, these rights allow individuals to control the use of their voice, image, likeness, or other identifiable aspect of their identity, especially for purposes of commercial exploitation. Similarly, in some jurisdictions these rights allow people to restrict others' ability to publish information about them without their permission. Whether and to what extent these rights exist, and if so, how they are labeled, varies depending on the jurisdiction.

[[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_are_publicity.2C_privacy.2C_and_personality_rights_affected_when_I_apply_a_CC_license.3F|Creative Commons licenses have a limited effect on these rights]] where the licensor holds them. Where the licensor has publicity, personality, or privacy rights that may affect your ability to use the material as the license intends, the licensor agrees to waive or not assert those rights. However, any such rights not held by the licensor are not affected and may still affect your desired use of a licensed work. If you have created a work or wish to use a work that might in some way implicate these rights, you may need to obtain permission from the individuals whose rights may be affected.

===Data===
{{:Data}}

[[Category:FAQ]]

Frequently Asked Questions

2014-08-13T22:02:12Z

Kat Walsh: /* Can I apply a Creative Commons license to software? */ more reasons for recommending agains tuse in software

__NOTOC__
These FAQs are designed to provide a better understanding of Creative Commons, our licenses, and our other legal and technical tools. They provide basic information, sometimes about fairly complex topics, and will often link to more detailed information.

* Other CC FAQs: [[CC0_FAQ|CC0 Public Domain Dedication]] and [[PDM_FAQ|Public Domain Mark]].
* "Licensor", "rights holder", "owner", and "creator" may be used interchangeably to refer to the person or entity applying a CC license.
* Information about the licenses is primarily made with reference to the 4.0 suite, but earlier [[License_Versions|license versions]] are mentioned where they differ.
* Have a question that isn't answered here? Contact info@creativecommons.org.

{{Infobox|
'''Creative Commons does not provide legal advice.''' This FAQ is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for legal advice. It may not cover important issues that affect you. You should consult with your own lawyer if you have questions.|}}

==Questions==

===Most Frequently Asked Questions===

#[[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_other_tools.2C_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F|Can Creative Commons give legal advice about its licenses or other tools, or help with CC license enforcement?]]
#[[#Who_gives_permission_to_use_material_offered_under_Creative_Commons_licenses.3F|Who gives permission to use material offered under Creative Commons licenses?]]
#[[#How_do_I_properly_attribute_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F|How do I properly attribute material offered under a Creative Commons license?]]
#[[#What_if_CC_licenses_have_not_been_ported_to_my_jurisdiction_.28country.29.3F |What if CC licenses have not been ported to my jurisdiction (country)?]]
#[[#When_is_my_use_considered_an_adaptation.3F|When is my use considered an adaptation?]]
#[[#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F | Does my use violate the NonCommercial clause of the licenses?]]
#[[#Can_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_software.3F | Can I apply a Creative Commons license to software?]]
#[[#How_can_I_change_or_remove_the_Creative_Commons_search_option_built_into_the_Firefox_browser.3F | How can I change or remove the Creative Commons search option built into the Firefox browser?]]
#[[#Can_I_change_the_license_terms_or_conditions.3F | Can I change the license terms or conditions?]]

===About CC===

#[[#What_is_Creative_Commons_and_what_do_you_do.3F | What is Creative Commons and what do you do?]]
#[[#Is_Creative_Commons_against_copyright.3F | Is Creative Commons against copyright?]]
#[[#What_does_.22Some_Rights_Reserved.22_mean.3F | What does "Some Rights Reserved" mean?]]
#[[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_other_tools.2C_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F | Can Creative Commons give legal advice about its licenses or other tools, or help with CC license enforcement?]]
#[[#Does_Creative_Commons_collect_or_track_materials_licensed_under_a_CC_license.3F | Does Creative Commons collect or track material licensed under a CC license?]]
#[[#What_do_the_Creative_Commons_buttons_do.3F | What do the Creative Commons buttons do?]]
#[[#May_I_use_the_Creative_Commons_logo_and_buttons.3F|May I use the Creative Commons logo and buttons?]]
#[[#I_love_Creative_Commons._How_can_I_help.3F | I love Creative Commons. How can I help?]]
#[[#Why does Creative Commons run an annual fundraising campaign? What is the money used for and where does it go.3F | Why does Creative Commons run an annual fundraising campaign? What is the money used for and where does it go?]]

===General License Information===

#[[#What_are_Creative_Commons_licenses.3F|What are Creative Commons licenses?]]
#[[#How_do_CC_licenses_operate.3F|How do CC licenses operate?]]
#[[#Which_is_the_latest_version_of_the_licenses_offered_by_Creative_Commons.3F|Which is the latest version of the licenses offered by Creative Commons?]]
#[[#Do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_exceptions_and_limitations_to_copyright.2C_such_as_fair_dealing_and_fair_use.3F | Do Creative Commons licenses affect exceptions and limitations to copyright, such as fair dealing and fair use?]]
#[[#Who_gives_permission_to_use_material_offered_under_Creative_Commons_licenses.3F|Who gives permission to use material offered under Creative Commons licenses?]]
#[[#Are_Creative_Commons_licenses_enforceable_in_a_court_of_law.3F | Are Creative Commons licenses enforceable in a court of law?]]
#[[#What_happens_if_someone_applies_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_my_work_without_my_knowledge_or_authorization.3F | What happens if someone applies a CC license to my work without my knowledge or authorization?]]
#[[#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F | What are the international (“unported”) Creative Commons licenses, and why does CC offer “ported” licenses?]]
#[[#Can_I_include_a_work_licensed_with_CC_BY_in_a_Wikipedia_article_even_though_they_use_a_CC_BY-SA_license.3F | Can I include a work licensed with CC BY in a Wikipedia article even though they use a CC BY-SA license?]]
#[[#Can_governments_and_intergovernmental_organizations_.28.22IGOs.22.29_use_CC_licenses.3F | Can governments and intergovernmental organizations ("IGOs") use CC licenses?]]
#[[#What_are_the_official_translations_of_the_CC_licenses.3F|What are the official translations of the CC licenses?]]

===For Licensors===
'''NB: You should never apply a CC license to a work unless you have [[Considerations for licensors and licensees|all the permissions you need]] to do so. '''
====Choosing a license====
#[[#What_things_should_I_think_about_before_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F| What things should I think about before I apply a Creative Commons license?]]
#[[#How_should_I_decide_which_license_to_choose.3F|How should I decide which license to choose?]]
#[[#Why_should_I_use_the_latest_version_of_the_Creative_Commons_licenses.3F|Why should I use the latest version of the Creative Commons licenses?]]
#[[#What_if_CC_licenses_have_not_been_ported_to_my_jurisdiction.3F|What if CC licenses have not been ported to my jurisdiction?]]
#[[#Should_I_choose_an_international_license_or_a_ported_license.3F|Should I choose an international license or a ported license?]]
#[[#Why_should_I_use_the_license_chooser.3F_What_if_I_don.E2.80.99t.3F|Why should I use the license chooser? What if I don’t?]]
#[[#How_do_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_my_material.3F | How do I apply a Creative Commons license to my material?]]
#[[#Do_I_need_to_register_with_Creative_Commons_before_I_obtain_a_license.3F | Do I need to register with Creative Commons before I obtain a license?]]

====What can I license?====
#[[#What_do_the_terms_and_conditions_of_a_CC_license_apply_to.3F | What do the terms and conditions of a CC license apply to?]]
#[[#Can_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_software.3F | Can I apply a Creative Commons license to software?]]
#[[#Can_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_databases.3F | Can I apply a Creative Commons license to databases?]]
#[[#Could_I_use_a_CC_license_to_share_my_logo_or_trademark.3F | Could I use a CC license to share my logo or trademark?]]
#[[#May_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_a_work_in_the_public_domain.3F | May I apply a Creative Commons license to a work in the public domain?]]
#[[#If_I_take_a_photograph_of_another_work_that_is_out_of_copyright_and_in_the_public_domain,_can_I_apply_a_CC_license_to_my_photo.3F | If I take a photograph of another work that is out of copyright and in the public domain, can I apply a CC license to my photo?]]
#[[#May_I_apply_a_CC_license_to_my_work_if_it_incorporates_material_used_under_fair_use_or_another_exception_or_limitation_to_copyright?|May I apply a CC license to my work if it incorporates material used under fair use or another exception or limitation to copyright? ]]

====Rights other than copyright====
#[[#Can_I_use_CC_licenses_to_license_rights_other_than_copyright.3F|Can I use CC licenses to license rights other than copyright?]]
#[[#How_do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_my_moral_rights.2C_if_at_all.3F | How do Creative Commons licenses affect my moral rights, if at all?]]
#[[#Can_I_place_a_trademark_on_a_work_and_offer_the_work_under_a_CC_license_without_also_licensing_or_otherwise_affecting_rights_in_the_trademark.3F_If_so.2C_how.3F | Can I place a trademark on a work and offer the work under a CC license without also licensing or affecting rights in the trademark?]]
#[[#How_are_publicity,_privacy,_and_personality_rights_affected_when_I_apply_a_CC_license.3F|How are publicity, privacy, and personality rights affected when I apply a CC license?]]

====Business models====
#[[#Can_I_apply_a_CC_license_to_low-resolution_copies_of_a_licensed_work_and_reserve_more_rights_in_high-resolution_copies.3F | Can I apply a CC license to low-resolution copies of a licensed work and reserve more rights in high-resolution copies?]]
#[[#Can_I_use_a_Creative_Commons_license_if_I_am_a_member_of_a_collecting_society.3F | Can I use a Creative Commons license if I am a member of a collecting society?]]
#[[#Can_I_still_make_money_from_a_work_I_make_available_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F | Can I still make money from a work I make available under a Creative Commons license?]]

====Alterations and additions to the license====
#[[#Can_I_insist_on_the_exact_placement_of_the_attribution_credit.3F | Can I insist on the exact placement of the attribution credit?]]
#[[#Can_I_change_the_license_terms_or_conditions.3F | Can I change the license terms or conditions?]]
#[[#Can_I_waive_license_terms_or_conditions.3F | Can I waive license terms or conditions?]]
#[[#Can_I_enter_into_separate_or_supplemental_agreements_with_users_of_my_work.3F|Can I enter into separate or supplemental agreements with users of my work?]]

====After licensing====
#[[#What_happens_if_I_offer_my_material_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_someone_misuses_them.3F | What happens if I offer my materials under a Creative Commons license and someone misuses them?]]
#[[#What_can_I_do_if_I_offer_my_material_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_I_do_not_like_the_way_someone_uses_it.3F | What can I do if I offer my material under a Creative Commons license and I do not like the way someone uses it?]]
#[[#What_do_I_do_if_someone_tries_to_place_effective_technological_measures_.28such_as_DRM.29_on_my_CC-licensed_material.3F|What do I do if someone tries to place effective technological measures (such as DRM) on my CC-licensed material?]]
#[[#When_I_release_my_work_under_a_CC_license_in_one_format_(e.g.,_.pdf),_can_I_restrict_licensees_from_changing_it_to_or_using_it_in_other_formats.3F|When I release my work under a CC license in one format (e.g., .pdf), can I restrict licensees from changing it to or using it in other formats?]]
#[[#What_if_I_change_my_mind_about_using_a_CC_license.3F|What if I change my mind about using a CC license?]]

===For Licensees===
====Before using CC-licensed material====
#[[#What_should_I_think_about_before_using_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F | What should I think about before using material offered under a Creative Commons license?]]
#[[#Does_a_Creative_Commons_license_give_me_all_the_rights_I_need_to_use_the_work.3F | Does a Creative Commons license give me all the rights I need to use the work?]]
#[[#What_if_there_are_sui_generis_database_rights_that_apply_to_my_use_of_a_CC-licensed_database.3F|What if there are sui generis database rights that apply to my use of a CC-licensed database?]]
#[[#Where_can_I_find_material_offered_under_a_CC_license.3F | Where can I find material offered under a CC license?]]
#[[#Are_Creative_Commons_works_really_free_to_use.3F|Are Creative Commons works really free to use?]]
#[[#What_should_I_know_about_differences_between_the_international_licenses_and_the_ported_licenses.3F | What should I know about differences between the international licenses and the ported licenses?]]

====General license compliance====
#[[#What_happens_if_I_want_to_use_the_material_in_a_way_that_is_not_permitted_by_the_license.3F | What happens if I want to use the material in a way that is not permitted by the license?]]
#[[#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not,_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|Do I always have to comply with the license terms? If not, what are the exceptions?]]

====Attribution====
#[[#How_do_I_properly_attribute_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F | How do I properly attribute material offered under a Creative Commons license?]]
#[[#Do_I_need_to_be_aware_of_anything_else_when_providing_attribution.3F | Do I need to be aware of anything else when providing attribution?]]
#[[#Do_I_always_have_to_attribute_the_creator_of_the_licensed_material.3F|Do I always have to attribute the creator of the licensed material?]]

====Using licensed material====
#[[#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F | Does my use violate the NonCommercial clause of the licenses?]]
#[[#Can_I_take_a_CC-licensed_work_and_use_it_in_a_different_format.3F|Can I take a CC-licensed work and use it in a different format?]]
#[[#How_do_I_know_if_a_low-resolution_photo_and_a_high-resolution_photo_are_the_same_work.3F|How do I know if a low-resolution photo and a high-resolution photo are the same work?]]
#[[#Can_I_use_effective_technological_measures_(such_as_DRM)_when_I_share_CC-licensed_material.3F|Can I use effective technological measures (such as DRM) when I share CC-licensed material?]]
#[[#Can_I_share_CC-licensed_material_on_password-protected_sites.3F|Can I share CC-licensed material on password-protected sites?]]
#[[#Can_I_share_CC-licensed_material_on_file-sharing_networks.3F|Can I share CC-licensed material on file-sharing networks?]]

====Additional restrictions on licensed material====
#[[#What_if_I_received_CC-licensed_material_encumbered_with_effective_technological_measures_(such_as_DRM).3F|What if I received CC-licensed material encumbered with effective technological measures (such as DRM)?]]
#[[#What_if_I_have_received_CC-licensed_material_with_additional_restrictions.3F|What if I have received CC-licensed material with additional restrictions?]]

====Combining and adapting CC material====
#[[#When_is_my_use_considered_an_adaptation.3F|When is my use considered an adaptation?]]
#[[#Can_I_combine_material_that_uses_different_Creative_Commons_licenses_into_my_work.3F|Can I combine material that uses different Creative Commons licenses into my work?]]
#[[#If_I_derive_or_adapt_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.2C_which_CC_license.28s.29_can_I_use.3F|If I derive or adapt material offered under a Creative Commons license, which CC license(s) can I use?]]
#[[#If_I_create_a_collection_that_includes_a_work_offered_under_a_CC_license.2C_which_license.28s.29_may_I_choose_for_the_collection.3F|If I create a collection that includes a work offered under a CC license, which license(s) may I choose for the collection?]]

====License termination====
#[[#When_do_ Creative_Commons_licenses_expire.3F|When do Creative Commons licenses expire? ]]
#[[#What_happens_if_the_author_decides_to_revoke_the_CC_license_to_material_I_am_using.3F|What happens if the author decides to revoke the CC license to material I am using?]]
#[[#How_can_I_lose_my_rights_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F_If_that_happens,_how_do_I_get_them_back.3F|How can I lose my rights under a Creative Commons license? If that happens, how do I get them back?]]

===Technical Questions===

#[[#How_do_Creative_Commons_licenses_and_public_domain_tools_work_technically.3F | How do Creative Commons licenses and public domain tools work technically?]]
#[[#What_does_it_mean_that_Creative_Commons_licenses_are_.22machine-readable.22.3F | What does it mean that Creative Commons licenses are "machine-readable"?]]
#[[#What_is_RDFa.3F | What is RDFa?]]
#[[#What_is_CC_REL_and_why_does_Creative_Commons_recommend_it.3F | What is CC REL and why does Creative Commons recommend it?]]
#[[#What_does_it_mean_for_a_search_engine_to_be_CC-enabled.3F | What does it mean for a search engine to be CC-enabled?]]
#[[#How_do_I_give_users_of_my_site_the_option_to_use_CC_licensing_like_Flickr_does.3F | How do I give users of my site the option to use CC licensing like Flickr does?]]
#[[#How_can_I_change_or_remove_the_Creative_Commons_search_option_built_into_the_Firefox_browser.3F | How do I change/remove the Creative Commons search options built into the Firefox browser?]]
#[[#Is_Creative_Commons_involved_in_digital_rights_management_.28DRM.29.3F | Is Creative Commons involved in digital rights management (DRM)?]]

===Legal Background===

#[[#What_is_copyright_and_why_does_it_matter.3F | What is copyright and why does it matter?]]
#[[#What_is_the_public_domain.3F | What is the public domain?]]
#[[#What_do_I_need_to_do_to_get_a_copyright.3F | What do I need to do to get a copyright?]]
#[[#What_is_an_adaptation.3F | What is an adaptation?]]
#[[#What_are_moral_rights.3F | What are moral rights?]]
#[[#What_are_neighboring_rights.3F | What are neighboring rights?]]
#[[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|What are sui generis database rights?]]
#[[#What_are_collecting_societies.3F | What are collecting societies?]]
#[[#What_are_publicity,_personality,_and_privacy_rights.3F|What are publicity, personality, and privacy rights?]]

===Data===
====Frequently asked questions about data and CC licenses====
#[[#Can_databases_be_released_under_CC_licenses.3F|Can databases be released under CC licenses?]]
#[[#When_a_CC_license_is_applied_to_a_database,_what_is_being_licensed.3F|When a CC license is applied to a database, what is being licensed?]]
#[[#How_do_I_apply_a_CC_legal_tool_to_a_database.3F|How do I apply a CC legal tool to a database?]]
#[[#How_do_the_different_CC_license_elements_operate_for_a_CC-licensed_database.3F|How do the different CC license elements operate for a CC-licensed database?]]
#[[#Can_I_conduct_text/data_mining_on_a_CC-licensed_database.3F|Can I conduct text/data mining on a CC-licensed database?]]
#[[#How_does_the_treatment_of_sui_generis_database_rights_vary_in_prior_versions_of_CC_licenses.3F|How does the treatment of sui generis database rights vary in prior versions of CC licenses?]]
#[[#What_is_the_difference_between_the_Open_Data_Commons_licenses_and_the_CC_4.0_licenses.3F|What is the difference between the Open Data Commons licenses and the CC 4.0 licenses?]]

====Frequently asked questions about data, generally====

#[[#Which_components_of_databases_are_protected_by_copyright.3F|Which components of databases are protected by copyright?]]
#[[#How_do_I_know_whether_a_particular_use_of_a_database_is_restricted_by_copyright.3F|How do I know whether a particular use of a database is restricted by copyright?]]
#[[#If_my_use_of_a_database_is_restricted_by_copyright,_how_do_I_comply_with_the_license.3F|If my use of a database is restricted by copyright, how do I comply with the license?]]
#[[#Which_components_of_a_database_are_protected_by_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|Which components of a database are protected by sui generis database rights?]]
#[[#How_do_I_know_whether_a_particular_use_of_a_database_is_restricted_by_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|How do I know whether a particular use of a database is restricted by sui generis database rights?]]
#[[#What_constitutes_a_“substantial_portion”_of_a_database.3F|What constitutes a “substantial portion” of a database?]]
#[[#If_my_use_of_a_database_is_restricted_by_sui_generis_database_rights,_how_do_I_comply_with_the_license.3F|If my use of a database is restricted by sui generis database rights, how do I comply with the license?]]

<hr/>

==About CC==






====What is Creative Commons and what do you do?====

Creative Commons is a global nonprofit organization that enables sharing and reuse of creativity and knowledge through the provision of free legal tools. Our legal tools help those who want to encourage reuse of their works by offering them for use under generous, standardized terms; those who want to make creative uses of works; and those who want to benefit from this symbiosis. Our vision is to help others realize the full potential of the internet. CC has affiliates [http://creativecommons.org/international/ all over the world] who help ensure our licenses work internationally and who raise awareness of our work.

Although Creative Commons is best known for its licenses, our work extends beyond just providing copyright licenses. CC offers other legal and technical tools that also facilitate sharing and discovery of creative works, such as [http://creativecommons.org/choose/zero/ CC0], a public domain dedication for rights holders who wish to put their work into the public domain before the expiration of copyright, and the [http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0 Public Domain Mark], a tool for marking a work that is in the worldwide public domain. [[#Technical_Questions_2|Creative Commons licenses and tools were designed specifically to work with the web]], which makes content that is offered under their terms easy to search for, discover, and use.

For more information about CC, our [http://creativecommons.org main website] contains in-depth information about [http://creativecommons.org/about/ the organization], its [http://creativecommons.org/staff/ staff and board of directors], its [http://creativecommons.org/about/history history], and its [https://support.creativecommons.org/supporters supporters]. You can also read [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Case_Studies CC case studies] to learn about some of the inspiring ways CC licenses and tools have been used to share works and support innovative business models. You can find regularly updated information about CC by visiting the [http://creativecommons.org/weblog blog].

====Is Creative Commons against copyright?====

Absolutely not. CC has [http://creativecommons.org/weblog/entry/22643 responded to claims to the contrary]. CC licenses are copyright licenses, and depend on the existence of copyright to work. CC licenses are legal tools that creators and other rights holders can use to offer certain usage rights to the public, while reserving other rights. Those who want to make their work available to the public for limited kinds of uses while preserving their copyright may want to consider using CC licenses. Others who want to reserve all of their rights under copyright law should not use CC licenses.

That said, Creative Commons recognizes the need for change in copyright law, and many members of the Creative Commons community are active participants in the copyright reform movement. For more information, see our [http://creativecommons.org/about/reform statement in support of copyright reform].

====What does "Some Rights Reserved" mean?====

[[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_is_copyright_and_why_does_it_matter.3F|Copyright]] grants to creators a bundle of exclusive rights over their creative works, which generally include, at a minimum, the right to reproduce, distribute, display, and make adaptations. The phrase "All Rights Reserved" is often used by owners to indicate that they reserve all of the rights granted to them under the law. When copyright expires, the work enters the [[#What_is_the_public_domain.3F | public domain]], and the rights holder can no longer stop others from engaging in those activities under copyright, with the exception of moral rights reserved to creators in some jurisdictions. Creative Commons licenses offer creators a spectrum of choices between retaining all rights and relinquishing all rights (public domain), an approach we call "Some Rights Reserved."




====Can Creative Commons give legal advice about its licenses or other tools, or help with CC license enforcement?====

No. Creative Commons is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal services. CC is similar to a self-help service that offers free, form-based legal documents for others to use. These FAQ answers many of the most common questions. There is also specialized information available on the following pages:

*[[Marking/Creators|Marking practices for creators]]
*[[Marking/Users|Marking practices for reusers]]
*[[Data FAQ|Data FAQ]]
*[[License versions|Differences between CC license versions]]
*[[Jurisdiction Database|Differences between jurisdiction ports of earlier license versions]]
*[[PDM_FAQ|Public domain mark FAQ]]
*[[CC0_FAQ|CC0 FAQ]]

While CC does provide this informational guidance about its licenses and other tools, this information may not apply to your particular situation, and should never be taken as legal advice.

If you're looking for legal advice about using CC licenses and other tools, we recommend contacting the [[CC Affiliate Network|Creative Commons affiliate in your jurisdiction]]. CC affiliates are highly connected to the communities of copyright lawyers in their countries. We also offer a [[CC_Friendly_Lawyers|list of lawyers and organizations]] who have identified themselves as willing to provide information to others about CC licensing issues. However, please note that CC does not provide referral services, and does not endorse or recommend any person on that list.





====Does Creative Commons collect or track material licensed under a CC license?====

No, CC does not collect content or track licensed material. However, CC builds technical tools that help the public search for and use works licensed under our licenses and other legal tools, and many others have built such tools as well. [http://search.creativecommons.org/ CC Search] is one tool developed by CC to help the public discover works offered under Creative Commons licenses on the internet via CC-aware search engines and repositories.



====What do the Creative Commons buttons do?====

The CC buttons are a shorthand way to convey the basic permissions associated with material offered under CC licenses. Creators and owners who apply CC licenses to their material can [http://creativecommons.org/about/downloads download and apply those buttons] to communicate to users the permissions granted in advance. When the material is offered online, the buttons should usually link out to the human-readable license deeds (which, in turn, link to the license itself).






====May I use the Creative Commons logo and buttons?====

You may [http://creativecommons.org/about/downloads download high resolution versions] of the Creative Commons logos and use them in connection with your work or your website, provided you comply with our [http://creativecommons.org/policies policies]. Among other things, if you use the logos on a website or on your work, you may not alter the logos in any respect—such as by changing the font, the proportions, or the colors. CC's buttons, name, and corporate logo (the “CC” in a circle) are trademarks of Creative Commons. You cannot use them in ways not permitted by our policies unless you first receive express, written permission. This means, for example, that you cannot (without our permission) print your own buttons and t-shirts using CC logos, although you can purchase them in CC’s [https://creativecommons.net/store/ store].


====I love Creative Commons. How can I help?====

Please support CC by making a donation through our [http://creativecommons.net/ support page]. If you give $50 or more, you can get a special-edition t-shirt only available to CC supporters. Donations and shipping information can be handled through PayPal or by credit card. You can also support CC by visiting our [http://creativecommons.net/store store].

CC always welcomes your feedback, which you can provide by emailing [mailto:info@creativecommons.org info@creativecommons.org]. You can also participate in CC's [http://creativecommons.org/contact#discuss email discussion lists] and share feedback and ideas in one of those forums.

If you are a software developer, sysadmin, or have other technical expertise, please [http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/cc-devel join our developer community] and help build the tools that build the commons.

Finally, one of the best ways to support CC is by supporting our causes yourself. Follow our [http://creativecommons.org/weblog/ blog] to find out about current issues where you can help get involved and spread the word, and advocate for free and open licensing in your own communities.



====Why does Creative Commons run an annual fundraising campaign? What is the money used for and where does it go?====

Creative Commons is a global nonprofit organization that enables sharing and reuse of creativity and knowledge through free legal tools, with affiliates all over the world who help ensure our licenses work internationally and raise awareness about our work. Our tools are free, and our reach is wide.

In order to...
*continue developing our licenses and public domain tools to make sure they are legally and technically up-to-date around the world,
*help creators implement these tools on websites through best practices and individual assistance,
*enable CC licensing on major content-sharing platforms,
*enhance CC-licensed resource search and discovery,
*advocate for CC licensing and open policies in [http://creativecommons.org/education education], [http://creativecommons.org/science science], and [http://creativecommons.org/culture culture], and
*myriad other activities we're forgetting to mention, such as all the everyday boring but essential operations that go into running an organization
...we need $ to make it all happen!
For more information, please take a look at our [http://dispatches.creativecommons.org/ Annual Report].

Creative Commons has always relied on the generosity of both individuals and organizations to fund its ongoing operations. It is essential we have the public's support because it is the creators and users of CC material who make our tools relevant in this digital age. They depend on the tools and services CC provides through their reuse and remix of the rich, open resources available on [http://en.wikipedia.org Wikipedia], [http://www.flickr.com Flickr], [http://soundcloud.com/‎ SoundCloud], [http://www.vimeo.com/‎ Vimeo], [http://www.europeana.eu/ ‎Europeana], [http://ocw.mit.edu/ MIT OpenCourseWare], the [http://www.plos.org/‎Public Library of Science], [http://www.aljazeera.com/‎ Al Jazeera], and [http://youtube.com YouTube]—just to name a few. Many of these people donate $10, $25, or $50 to CC, to help keep it up and running so we can continue to provide our tools and services for free, as a nonprofit organization. The more people who [https://creativecommons.net/ donate] to CC, the more independent it will remain.

==General License Information==



====What are Creative Commons licenses?====
[http://creativecommons.org/licenses Creative Commons licenses] provide an easy way to manage the copyright terms that attach automatically to all creative material under [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_is_copyright_and_why_does_it_matter.3F|copyright]]. Our licenses allow that material to be shared and reused under terms that are flexible and legally sound. Creative Commons offers a core suite of six copyright licenses. Because there is no single "Creative Commons license," it is important to identify [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ which of the six licenses] you are applying to your material, which of the six licenses has been applied to material that you intend to use, and in both cases the specific version.

All of our licenses require that users provide attribution (BY) to the creator when the material is used and shared. Some licensors choose the BY license, which requires attribution to the creator as the only condition to reuse of the material. The other five licenses combine BY with one or more of three additional license elements: NonCommercial (NC), which prohibits commercial use of the material; NoDerivatives (ND), which prohibits the sharing of adaptations of the material; and ShareAlike (SA), which requires adaptations of the material be released under the same license.

CC licenses may be applied to any type of work, including [[OER|educational resources]], [[Musician|music]], [[Photographer|photographs]], [[Data|databases]], [[Government_use_of_Creative_Commons|government and public sector information]], and [[Case_Studies|many other types of material]]. The only categories of works for which CC does not recommend its licenses are [[#Can_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_software.3F| computer software]] and hardware. You should also not apply Creative Commons licenses to works that are [[#May_I_apply_a_Creative_Commons_license_to_a_work_in_the_public_domain|no longer protected by copyright or are otherwise in the public domain]]. Instead, for those works in the worldwide public domain, we recommend that you mark them with the [http://creativecommons.org/about/pdm Public Domain Mark].

====How do CC licenses operate?====

CC licenses are operative only when applied to material in which a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_is_copyright_and_why_does_it_matter.3F|copyright]] exists, and even then only when a particular use would otherwise not be permitted by copyright. Note that the latest version of CC licenses also applies to rights similar to copyright, such as [[#What_are_neighboring_rights.3F|neighboring rights]] and [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]]. [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_use_CC_licenses_to_license_rights_other_than_copyright.3F|Learn more about the scope of the licenses.]] This means that CC license terms and conditions are '''not''' triggered by [[#Do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_fair_use.2C_fair_dealing.2C_or_other_exceptions_to_copyright.3F|uses permitted under any applicable exceptions and limitations to copyright]], nor do license terms and conditions apply to elements of a licensed work that are in the public domain. This also means that CC licenses do not contractually impose restrictions on uses of a work where there is no underlying copyright. This feature (and others) [[Data#What_is_the_difference_between_the_Open_Data_Commons_licenses_and_the_CC_4.0_licenses.3F|distinguish CC licenses from some other open licenses]] like the [http://opendatacommons.org/licenses/odbl/ ODbL] and [http://opendatacommons.org/licenses/by/ ODC-BY], both of which are intended to [http://opendatacommons.org/faq/licenses/#db-versus-contents impose contractual conditions and restrictions] on the reuse of databases in jurisdictions where there is no underlying copyright or sui generis database right.

All CC licenses are non-exclusive: [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_enter_into_separate_or_supplemental_agreements_with_users_of_my_work.3F|creators and owners can enter into additional, different licensing arrangements]] for the same material at any time (often referred to as “dual-licensing” or “multi-licensing”). However, [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_if_I_change_my_mind_about_using_a_CC_license.3F|CC licenses are not revocable]] once granted unless there has been a breach, and even then the license is terminated only for the breaching licensee.

There are also [http://creativecommons.org/videos/ videos and comics] that offer visual descriptions of how CC licenses work.

====Which is the latest version of the licenses offered by Creative Commons?====

In November 2013, Creative Commons published the version 4.0 license suite. These licenses are the most up-to-date licenses offered by CC, and are recommended over all prior versions. You can see how the licenses have been improved over time on the [[License versions|license versions page]]. 4.0 has been drafted to be internationally valid, and will have official translations becoming available after publication.



====Do Creative Commons licenses affect exceptions and limitations to copyright, such as fair dealing and fair use?====

No. By design, CC licenses do not reduce, limit, or restrict any rights under exceptions and limitations to copyright, such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_use fair use] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_dealing fair dealing]. If your use of CC-licensed material would otherwise be allowed because of an applicable exception or limitation, you do not need to rely on the CC license or comply with its terms and conditions. [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_do_CC_licenses_operate.3F|This is a fundamental principle of CC licensing.]]

====Who gives permission to use material offered under Creative Commons licenses?====

Our licenses and legal tools are intended for use by anyone who holds copyright in the material. This is often, but not always, the creator.

Creative Commons offers licenses and tools to the public free of charge and does not require that creators or other rights holders register with CC in order to apply a CC license to a work. This means that [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_Creative_Commons_collect_or_track_materials_licensed_under_a_CC_license.3F|CC does not have special knowledge of who uses the licenses]] and for what purposes, nor does CC have a way to contact creators beyond means generally available to the public. CC has no authority to grant permission on behalf of those persons, nor does CC manage those rights on behalf of others.

If you would like to obtain additional permissions to use the work beyond those granted by the license that has been applied, or if you’re not sure if your intended use is permitted by the license, you should [[#What_happens_if_I_want_to_do_something_with_the_work_that_is_not_permitted_by_the_license.3F | contact the rights holder]].





====Are Creative Commons licenses enforceable in a court of law?====

Creative Commons licenses are drafted to be enforceable around the world, and have been [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Case_Law enforced in court] in various jurisdictions. To CC's knowledge, the licenses have never been held unenforceable or invalid.

CC licenses contain a “severability” clause. This allows a court to eliminate any provision determined to be unenforceable, and enforce the remaining provisions of the license.

====What happens if someone applies a Creative Commons license to my work without my knowledge or authorization?====

CC [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Before_Licensing alerts prospective licensors] they need to have all necessary rights before applying a CC license to a work. If that is not the case and someone has marked your work with a CC license without your authorization, you should contact that person and tell them to remove the license from your work. You may also wish to contact a lawyer. Creative Commons is not a law firm and cannot represent you or give you legal advice, but there are [[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F | lawyers who have identified themselves as interested in representing people in CC-related matters]].



====What are the international (“unported”) Creative Commons licenses, and why does CC offer “ported” licenses?====

One of CC’s goals is ensuring that all of its legal tools work globally, so that anyone anywhere in the world can share their work on globally standard terms. To this end, CC offers a core suite of six international copyright licenses (formerly called the "unported") that are drafted based largely on various [http://www.wipo.int/copyright/en/treaties.htm international treaties governing copyright], taking into account as many jurisdiction-specific legal issues as possible. The latest version (4.0) has been drafted with particular attention to the needs of international enforceability.

For version 3.0 and earlier, Creative Commons has also offered ported versions of its six core licenses for many jurisdictions (which usually correspond to countries, but not always). These ported licenses are based on the international license suite but have been modified to reflect local nuances in the expression of legal terms and conditions, drafting protocols, and language. The ported licenses and the international licenses are all intended to be legally effective everywhere. CC expects that few, if any, ports will be necessary for 4.0.

CC recommends that you take advantage of the improvements in the 4.0 suite explained on the [[License_versions|license versions page]] unless there are [[#Should_I_choose_an_international_license_or_a_ported_license.3F|particular considerations you are aware of]] that would require a ported license.

====Can I include a work licensed with CC BY in a Wikipedia article even though they use a CC BY-SA license?====

Yes. Works licensed under CC BY may be incorporated into works that are licensed under CC BY-SA. For example, you may incorporate a CC BY photograph into a Wikipedia article so long as you keep all copyright notices intact, provide proper attribution, and otherwise comply with the terms of CC BY. [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ Learn more] about the licenses.





====Can governments and intergovernmental organizations ("IGOs") use CC licenses?====

Yes, anyone may use CC licenses for material they own, including governments and IGOs, and these institutions [[Government|frequently use CC licenses on their copyrightable material]]. The reasons for doing so vary, and often include a desire to maximize the impact and utility of works for educational and informational purposes, and to enhance transparency.

Creative Commons licenses have [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ desirable features] that make them the preferred choice over custom licenses. CC licenses are standard and interoperable, which means material published by different creators using the same type of CC license can be translated, modified, compiled, and remixed without legal barriers depending on the [[#Can_I_combine_works_that_use_different_Creative_Commons_licenses_into_my_work?|particular license applied]]. Creative Commons licenses are also machine-readable, allowing CC-licensed works to be easily discovered via search engines such as Google. These features maximize distribution, reuse, and impact of works published by governments and IGOs.

Though we encourage anyone to use version 4.0, which is internationally valid and may be used by individuals as well as organizations, there is an IGO ported version of 3.0 that IGOs may also use. Read more about how [[government]]s and [[IGO]]s use and leverage CC licenses and legal tools, considerations for using our licenses, and [[Intergovernmental_Organizations#FAQ:_CC_Licenses_and_IGOs|how they operate in the IGO context.]]


====What are the official translations of the CC licenses and CC0?====

Official language translations will be available for the 4.0 licenses and CC0. When you license your own work, you may use or link to the text of any available official translation. When you reuse CC-licensed material, you may comply with the license conditions by referring to any available official translation of the license. These translations are linguistic translations of the English version which adhere as closely as possible to the original text. These translations have been done by our affiliates in accordance with the [[Legal Code Translation Policy]] and with the oversight and detailed review of the CC legal team. Note that these are equivalents of the original English; these translations are ''not'' [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F|jurisdiction ported versions]]. You may find a list of all available translations [[Legal_Tools_Translation#Published_translations|here]].

For versions 3.0 and earlier, official translations are not available. Some unofficial translations were made for informational purposes only. (Jurisdiction ported versions of version 3.0 and earlier were generally published in the official language(s) of the appropriate jurisdiction. However, the ported licenses are [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_should_I_know_about_differences_between_the_international_licenses_and_the_ported_licenses.3F|not
equivalent]] to the international licenses, and do not serve as substitutable references for purposes of complying with the terms and conditions of the licenses.)

==For Licensors==
===Choosing a license===

====What things should I think about before I apply a Creative Commons license?====

Applying a Creative Commons license to your material is a serious decision. When you apply a CC license, you give permission to anyone to use your material for the full duration of applicable copyright and similar rights.

CC has identified [[Considerations for licensors and licensees|some things that you should consider]] before you apply a CC license, some of which relate to your ability to apply a CC license at all. Here are some highlights:

*Is the material copyrightable? If not, is it subject to [[#What_are_neighboring_rights.3F|neighboring rights]] or [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]]? CC licenses do not apply to material in the [[#What_is_the_public_domain.3F|public domain]]. Different countries have different standards for what is in the public domain.
*Do you own the material you want to license? If not, are you otherwise authorized to license it under the specific CC license you are interested in using? You should not apply a license to material that you do not own or that you are not authorized to license.
*Are you aware that CC licenses [[#What_if_I_change_my_mind_about_using_a_CC_license.3F|are not revocable]]? You are free to stop offering material under a CC license at any time, but this will not affect the rights associated with any copies of your work already in circulation. (Any particular licensee may lose his or her rights after violating the license, but this does not affect continual use of the work by other licensees.)
*Are you a member of a [[#What_are_collecting_societies.3F|collecting society]]? If you are, you should [[#Can_I_use_a_Creative_Commons_license_if_I_am_a_member_of_a_collecting_society.3F|make sure that you are able to use CC licenses for your materials]].
*Always read the terms and conditions of the specific license you plan to apply. Additionally, there are several [[License versions|terms that may differ in the earlier versions of the license]], both unported and ported. [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Should_I_choose_an_international_license_or_a_ported_license.3F|If you choose to use a pre-4.0 version or any ported version]], clauses such as choice of law may affect your desired choice of license.


====How should I decide which license to choose?====
If you are unsure which license best suits your needs, there are plenty of resources to help rights holders choose the right CC license. CC Australia has developed a [http://creativecommons.org.au/learn-more/fact-sheets/which-creative-commons-licence-is-right-for-me-poster flow chart] that may be useful in helping you settle on the right license for your work. Creative Commons has also compiled [http://creativecommons.org/examples a list of examples] that demonstrate how various licenses fit into licensors' overall strategies. You can also [http://thepowerofopen.org/ read case studies] of others who are using CC licenses. The CC community can also respond to questions, and may have already addressed issues you raise. The CC community [http://creativecommons.org/discuss email discussion lists] and discussion archives may be useful resources.

Finally, you may also want to [[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F|consult with a lawyer]] to obtain advice on the best license for your needs.


====Why should I use the latest version of the Creative Commons licenses?====
The latest version of the Creative Commons licenses is version 4.0. You should always use the latest version of the Creative Commons licenses in order to take advantage of the many improvements described on the [[License versions|license versions page]]. In particular, 4.0 is meant to be better suited to international use, and use in many different contexts, including [[Data|sharing data]].


====What if CC licenses have not been ported to my jurisdiction?====
All CC licenses are intended to work worldwide. Unless you have a specific reason to use a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Should_I_choose_an_international_license_or_a_ported_license.3F|ported license]], we suggest you consider using one of the international licenses. 4.0 will support official translations of the international license for those who wish to use the licenses in another language.

As of version 4.0, CC is discouraging ported versions, and has placed a hold on new porting projects following its publication until sometime in 2014. At that point, CC will reevaluate the necessity of porting in the future.

====Should I choose an international license or a ported license?====
We recommend that you use a version 4.0 international license. This is the most up-to-date version of our licenses, drafted after broad consultation with our global network of affiliates, and it has been written to be internationally valid. There are currently no [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F|ports]] of 4.0, and it is planned that few, if any, will be created.

All of the ported licenses are at version 3.0 or earlier, which means licensors using those licenses do not have the benefit of the [[License_versions|improvements made in the 4.0 license suite]]. But even before considering the improvements in 4.0, there are several reasons why the [[#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F|international licenses]] may be preferable for rights holders, even if the licenses have been ported to their jurisdiction. As an organization, CC itself licenses all of its own content under an international license because, among other reasons, the international licenses are essentially jurisdiction-neutral while remaining effective globally. The neutral nature of the international licenses appeals to many people and organizations, particularly for use in connection with global projects that transcend political borders. Finally, it is important to know that some of the ported licenses contain a choice of law provision, which may be undesirable for your needs.

However, some rights holders still choose a license ported to their local jurisdiction because they believe their needs are not sufficiently met by the international licenses. If the licenses have been ported to your jurisdiction and you feel that the ported licenses better account for some aspect of local legislation, then you may wish to consider a ported license.

You can [[Jurisdiction_Database|use our jurisdiction database]] to compare international licenses and ports on these issues and others, such as whether a ported license contains a choice of law or forum selection clause.

====Why should I use the license chooser? What if I don’t?====
Licensors are not required to use the [http://creativecommons.org/choose/ CC license chooser] or provide any information about themselves or their material when applying a CC license to their material. However, using the license chooser enables licensors to take advantage of the "machine readable" layer of CC licenses. Our [[ccrel|machine-readable]] code enhances the discoverability of your work because that code allows software, search engines, and other tools to recognize when something is licensed under a CC license. The code also facilitates attribution: when users click on the CC button placed on your site, they will be linked directly to HTML code that they can cut and paste to provide attribution.




====How do I apply a Creative Commons license to my material?====
'''For online material''': Select the license that is appropriate for your material [http://creativecommons.org/choose/ from the CC license chooser] and then follow the [[Marking_your_work_with_a_CC_license#How_to_use_the_CC_License_Chooser|instructions]] to include the HTML code. The code will automatically generate a [[#What_do_the_Creative_Commons_buttons_do.3F|license button]] and a statement that your material is licensed under a CC license. If you are only licensing part of a work (for example, if you have created a video under a CC license but are using a song under a different license), be sure to clearly [[Marking/Creators|mark]] which parts are under the CC license and which parts are not. The HTML code will also include metadata, which allows the material to be discovered via [http://search.creativecommons.org/ Creative Commons-enabled search engines].

'''For offline material''': Identify which license you wish to apply to your work and either (a) [[Marking_your_work_with_a_CC_license#Example:_Offline_document|mark your work]] with a statement such as, “This work is licensed under the Creative Commons [insert description] License. To view a copy of the license, visit [insert url]"; or (b) insert the applicable [[#What_do_the_Creative_Commons_buttons_do.3F|license buttons]] with the same statement and URL link.

'''For third-party platforms''': Many [[Marking_your_work_with_a_CC_license#Content-sharing_platforms|media platforms]] like [http://www.flickr.com/ Flickr], [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube], and [https://soundcloud.com/ SoundCloud] have built-in Creative Commons capabilities, letting users mark their material with a CC license through their account settings. The benefit of using this functionality is that it allows other people to find your content when [http://search.creativecommons.org/ searching on those platforms for CC-licensed material]. If the platform where you're uploading your content does not support CC licensing, you can still identify your content as CC-licensed in the text description of your content.

Legally, these three options are the same. The only difference between applying a CC license offline rather than online is that marking a work online with metadata will ensure that users will be able to find it through CC-enabled search engines.

CC offers resources on the [[Marking/Creators|best practices for marking your material]] and on [[Media:Creativecommons-licensing-and-marking-your-content_eng.pdf|how to mark material in different media (.pdf)]].






====Do I need to register with Creative Commons before I obtain a license?====
No. CC offers its licenses, code, and tools to the public free of charge, without obligation. You do not need to register with Creative Commons to apply a CC license to your material; it is legally valid as soon as you apply it to any material you have the legal right to license.

CC does not require or provide any means for creators or other rights holders to register use of a CC license, [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_Creative_Commons_collect_or_track_materials_licensed_under_a_CC_license.3F|nor does CC maintain a database of works]] distributed under Creative Commons licenses. CC also does not require registration of the work with a national copyright agency.



====What do the terms and conditions of a CC license apply to?====
Although CC licenses get attached to tangible works (such as photos and novels), the license terms and conditions apply to the licensor’s [[FAQ#How_do_CC_licenses_operate.3F|copyright]] in the licensed material. The public is granted “permission to exercise” those rights in [[FAQ#Can_I_take_a_CC-licensed_work_and_use_it_in_a_different_format.3F|any medium or format]]. It is the expression that is protected by copyright and covered by the licenses, not any particular medium or format in which the expression is manifested. This means, for example, that a CC license [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_apply_a_CC_license_to_low-resolution_copies_of_a_licensed_work_and_reserve_more_rights_in_high-resolution_copies.3F|applied to a digitized copy]] of a novel grants the public permission under copyright to use a print version of the same novel on the same terms and conditions (though you may have to purchase the print version from a bookstore).

====Can I apply a Creative Commons license to software?====
We recommend against using Creative Commons licenses for software. Instead, we strongly encourage you to use one of the very good software licenses which are already available. We recommend considering [https://www.gnu.org/licenses/license-recommendations.html licenses made available] by the [http://www.fsf.org/ Free Software Foundation] or [http://opensource.org/licenses listed as “open source”] by the [http://www.opensource.org/ Open Source Initiative].

Unlike software-specific licenses, CC licenses do not contain specific terms about the distribution of source code, which is often important to ensuring the free reuse and modifiability of software. Many software licenses also address patent rights, which are important to software but may not be applicable to other copyrightable works. Additionally, our licenses are currently not compatible with the major software licenses, so it would be difficult to integrate CC-licensed work with other free software. Existing software licenses were designed specifically for use with software and offer a similar set of rights to the Creative Commons licenses.

Our licenses are currently [http://www.dwheeler.com/essays/gpl-compatible.html not compatible with the GPL], though the CC0 Public Domain Dedication '''is''' GPL-compatible and acceptable for software. For details, [[CC0_FAQ#May_I_apply_CC0_to_computer_software.3F_If_so.2C_is_there_a_recommended_implementation.3F|see the relevant CC0 FAQ entry]]. We are looking into compatibility of BY-SA with GPL in the future; see the [http://creativecommons.org/compatiblelicenses license compatibility page] for more information.)

While we recommend against using a CC license on software itself, CC licenses may be used for software documentation, as well as for separate artistic elements such as game art or music.



====Can I apply a Creative Commons license to databases?====
Yes. CC licenses [[Data#Can_databases_be_released_under_CC_licenses.3F|can be used on databases]]. In the 4.0 license suite, applicable [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]] are licensed under the same license conditions as copyright. Many [[Data_and_CC_licenses|governments and others use CC licenses]] for data and databases.

For more detailed information about how CC licenses apply to data and databases, visit our detailed [[Data|Data FAQ]].

====Could I use a CC license to share my logo or trademark?====
Creative Commons does not recommend using a CC license on a logo or trademark. While a logo or trademark can be covered by copyright laws in addition to trademark laws, the special purposes of trademarks make CC licenses an unsuitable mechanism for sharing them in most cases. Generally, logos and trademarks are used to identify the origin of a product or service, or to indicate that it meets a specific standard or quality. Allowing anyone to reuse or modify your logo or trademark as a matter of copyright could result in your inability to limit use of your logo or trademark selectively to accomplish those purposes. Applying a CC license to your trademarks and logos could even result in a loss of your trademark rights altogether. See [[#Can_I_place_a_trademark_on_a_work_and_offer_the_work_under_a_CC_license_without_also_licensing_or_otherwise_affecting_rights_in_the_trademark.3F_If_so.2C_how.3F|below]] for more about how to license material that includes a trademark or logo.

There are other ways to share your logos and trademarks widely while preserving your trademark rights. Establishing a trademark policy that grants permissions in advance for limited uses is one common alternative. [http://www.mozilla.org/foundation/trademarks/policy.html Mozilla], [http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Trademark_policy Wikimedia], and [http://creativecommons.org/policies Creative Commons] have each published policies that accomplish the dual objectives of encouraging reuse and preserving trademark rights.



====May I apply a Creative Commons license to a work in the public domain?====
CC licenses should not be applied to works in the worldwide [[#What_is_the_public_domain.3F|public domain]]. All CC licenses are clear that they [[#Do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_exceptions_and_limitations_to_copyright.2C_such_as_fair_dealing_and_fair_use.3F|do not have the effect]] of placing restrictions on material that would otherwise be unrestricted, and you cannot remove a work from the public domain by applying a CC license to it. If you want to dedicate your own work to the public domain before the expiration of applicable copyright or similar rights, use CC's legally robust [http://creativecommons.org/about/cc0|CC0 public domain dedication]. If a work is already in the worldwide public domain, you should mark it with CC's [http://creativecommons.org/about/pdm Public Domain Mark].

Note that, in some cases, a work may be in the public domain under the copyright laws of some jurisdictions but not others. For example, U.S. government works are in the public domain under the copyright law of the United States, but may be protected by copyright laws in other jurisdictions. A CC license applied to such a work would be effective (and the license restrictions enforceable) in jurisdictions where copyright protection exists, but would not be operative if U.S. copyright law is determined to be the applicable law.

Creators may also apply Creative Commons licenses to material they create that are adapted from public domain works, or to remixed material, databases, or collections that include work in the public domain. However, in each of these instances, the license does not affect parts of the work that are unrestricted by copyright or similar rights. We strongly encourage you to [[Marking/Creators/Marking_third_party_content|mark the public domain material]], so that others know they are also free to use this material without legal restriction.


====If I take a photograph of another work that is in the public domain, can I apply a CC license to my photo? ====
That depends. You can apply a CC license to your photograph if your photograph constitutes a work of original authorship, a question that varies by jurisdiction. As a general matter, your photograph must involve some creative choices, such as background setting, lighting, angle, or other mark of creativity. In the United States, an exact photographic copy of a public domain work is not subject to copyright because there is no originality (even if there is effort or “sweat” exerted in its creation).

In practice, if your photograph is sufficiently creative to attract copyright protection, people will likely have to comply with the license conditions if they reproduce your entire photograph in verbatim form, absent some applicable exception or limitation such as fair use. However, [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not.2C_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|they would not have to comply with the license conditions if they reproduce only those parts of the work in the public domain]]. This is because your copyright in the adaptation only extends to the material you contributed, not to the underlying work.

====May I apply a CC license to my work if it incorporates material used under fair use or another exception or limitation to copyright?====
Yes, but it is important to prominently mark any third party material you incorporate into your work so reusers do not think the CC license applies to that material. The CC license only applies to the rights you have in the work. For example, if your CC-licensed slide deck includes a Flickr image you are using pursuant to fair use, make sure to identify that image as not being subject to the CC license. For more information about incorporating work owned by others, see our page about [[Marking/Creators/Marking_third_party_content|marking third party content]]. Read more considerations for licensors [[Before_Licensing#Considerations_for_licensors|here]].

===Rights other than copyright===
====Can I use CC licenses to license rights other than copyright?====
CC licenses are copyright licenses, but the latest version of CC licenses also cover certain other rights similar to copyright, including [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_are_neighboring_rights.3F|performance, broadcast, and sound recording rights]], as well as [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]]. You may apply a 4.0 license to material subject to any of those rights, whether or not the material is also subject to copyright. Note that the scope of prior versions of CC licenses was more limited. You should refer to our [[License Versions|license versions page]] for details.

====How do Creative Commons licenses affect my moral rights, if at all?====
As a general matter, all CC licenses preserve [[#What_are_moral_rights.3F|moral rights]] to the extent they exist (they do not exist everywhere), but allow uses of the work in ways contemplated by the license that might otherwise violate moral rights. If you apply a 4.0 license to your material, you agree to waive or not assert any moral rights you have, to the limited extent necessary to allow the public to exercise the licensed rights. This is designed to minimize the effect of moral rights on licensees’ ability to use the work, and ensure that the license works internationally as intended. The attribution requirement contained in all of our licenses is intended to satisfy the moral right of attribution, but it must be adhered to whether or not the applicable jurisdiction recognizes moral rights.

[[License Versions|Earlier versions]] of the license are also intended to minimize the effect of moral rights on otherwise-permitted uses, but the language in the licenses differs. Additionally, jurisdiction ports of earlier versions of CC licenses often contain versions of the moral rights language designed to account for moral rights legislation in a particular jurisdiction. If you are applying a ported license to your work, you may wish to review the moral rights language in the particular license.

You can also [[Jurisdiction_Database|compare how different jurisdictions have implemented this provision]], or [[License_versions|browse the license versions page]] to compare the treatment of this issue across the different versions of the CC licenses.



====Can I offer material under a CC license that has my trademark on it without also licensing or affecting rights in the trademark?====
Yes, you may offer material under a Creative Commons license that includes a trademark indicating the source of the work without affecting rights in the trademark, because trademark rights are not licensed by the CC licenses. However, applying the CC license may create an implied license to use the trademark in connection with the licensed material, although not in ways that require permission under trademark law. To avoid any uncertainty, Creative Commons recommends that licensors who wish to mark material with trademarks or other branding materials give notice to licensors expressly disclaiming application of the license to those elements. This can be done in the copyright notice, but could also be noted on the website where the work is published.

The following is an example notice:

“''The text of and illustrations in this document are licensed by Red Hat under a Creative Commons Attribution–Share Alike 3.0 Unported license ("CC-BY-SA"). . . . Red Hat, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, the Shadowman logo, JBoss, MetaMatrix, Fedora, the Infinity Logo, and RHCE are trademarks of Red Hat, Inc., registered in the United States and other countries. For guidelines on the permitted uses of the Fedora trademarks, refer to https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Legal:Trademark_guidelines.''”

====How are publicity, privacy, and personality rights affected when I apply a CC license? ====
When you apply the latest version (4.0) of a CC license to your material, you also agree to waive or not assert any [[#What_are_publicity.2C_personality.2C_and_privacy_rights.3F|publicity, privacy, or personality rights]] that you hold in the material you are licensing, to the limited extent necessary for others to exercise the licensed rights. For example, if you have licensed a photograph of yourself, you may not assert your right of privacy to have the photo removed from further distribution. (Under the 3.0 and earlier licenses, this is implied but not explicit.) If you do not wish to license these rights in this way, you should not apply a CC license to the material where this is a concern.

If there are any third parties who may have publicity, privacy, or personality rights that apply, those rights are not affected by your application of a CC license, and a reuser must seek permission for relevant uses. If you are aware of any such third party rights in the material you are licensing, we recommend [[Marking/Creators/Marking_third_party_content|marking the material]] to give notice to reusers.

===Business models===

====Can I apply a CC license to low-resolution copies of a licensed work and reserve more rights in high-resolution copies?====
You may license your copyright or distribute your work under more than one set of terms. For example, you may publish a photograph on your website, but only distribute high-resolution copies to people who have paid for access. This is a practice CC supports. However, if the low-resolution and high-resolution copies are the [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_do_I_know_if_a_low-resolution_photo_and_a_high-resolution_photo_are_the_same_work.3F|same work under applicable copyright law]], permission under a CC license is not limited to a particular copy, and someone who receives a copy in high resolution may use it under the terms of the CC license applied to the low-resolution copy.

Note that, although CC [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_enter_into_separate_or_supplemental_agreements_with_users_of_my_work.3F|strongly discourages the practice]], CC cannot prevent licensors from attempting to impose restrictions through separate agreements on uses the license otherwise would allow. In that case, licensees may be [[FAQ#What_if_I_have_received_CC-licensed_material_with_additional_restrictions.3F|contractually restricted]] from using the high-resolution copy, for example, even if the licensor has placed a CC license on the low-resolution copy.

====Can I use a Creative Commons license if I am a member of a collecting society?====

Creators and other rights holders may wish to check with their [[#What_are_collecting_societies.3F|collecting society]] before applying a CC license to their material. Many rights holders who are members of a collecting society can waive the right to collect royalties for uses allowed under the license, but only to the extent their societies allow.

Collecting societies in several countries including Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Norway, Spain, Taiwan, and the Netherlands take an assignment of rights from creators in present and future works and manage them, so that the societies effectively become the owner of these rights. (In France it is called a “mandate” of rights but has similar practical effect.) Creators in these jurisdictions who belong to collecting societies may not be able to license their material under CC licenses because the collecting societies own the necessary rights, not the creators. CC is [[Collecting_Society_Projects|working with several collecting societies]] and running pilot programs that allow creators to use CC licenses in some circumstances.

If you are already a member of a collecting society and want to use CC licenses, you are welcome to encourage your collecting society to give you the option of Creative Commons licensing.

====Can I still make money from a work I make available under a Creative Commons license?====
Yes. One of our goals is to encourage creators and rights holders to experiment with new ways to promote and market their work. There are several possible ways of doing this.

CC's [[#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F|NonCommercial (NC)]] licenses allow rights holders to maximize distribution while maintaining control of the commercialization of their works. If you want to reserve the right to commercialize your work, you may do this by choosing a license with the NC condition. If someone else wants to use your work commercially and you have applied an NC license to your work, they must first get your permission. As the rights holder, you may still sell your own work commercially.

You may also use funding models that do not depend on using an NC license. For example, many artists and creators use crowdfunding to fund their work before releasing it under a less restrictive license. Others use a “freemium” model where the basic content is free, but extras such as a physical printed version or special access to a members-only website are for paying customers only.

For more information and ideas, [http://thepowerofopen.org/ The Power of Open] presents case studies of artists, businesspeople, and organizations who use CC.

===Alterations and additions to the license===

====Can I insist on the exact placement of the attribution credit?====
No. CC licenses allow for flexibility in the way credit is provided depending on the medium, means, and context in which a licensee is redistributing licensed material. For example, providing attribution to the creator when using licensed material in a blog post may be different than doing so in a video remix. This flexibility facilitates compliance by licensees and reduces uncertainty about different types of reuse—minimizing the risk that overly onerous and inflexible attribution requirements are simply disregarded.


====Can I change the license terms or conditions?====
Yes—but if you change the terms and conditions of any Creative Commons license, you ''must no longer call, label, or describe the license as a “Creative Commons” or “CC” license'', nor can you use the [http://creativecommons.org/policies Creative Commons logos, buttons, or other trademarks] in connection with the modified license or your materials. Keep in mind that altering terms and conditions is distinct from [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_waive_license_terms_or_conditions.3F|waiving existing conditions or granting additional permissions]] than those in the licenses. Licensors may always do so, and many choose to do so using the [[CCPlus|CC+ protocol]] to readily signal the waiver or additional permission on the CC license deed.

CC does not assert copyright in the text of its licenses, so you are permitted to modify the text as long as you do not use the CC marks to describe it. However, we do not recommend this. We also advise against [[Modifying_the_CC_licenses|modifying our licenses]] through indirect means, such as in your terms of service. A modified license very likely will not be compatible with the same CC license (unmodified) applied to other material. This would prevent licensees from using, combining, or remixing content under your customized license with other content under the same or compatible CC licenses.

Modifying licenses creates friction that confuses users and undermines the key benefits of public, standardized licenses. Central to our licenses is the grant of a standard set of permissions in advance, without requiring users to ask for permission or seek clarification before using the work. This encourages sharing and facilitates reuse, since everyone knows what to expect and the burden of negotiating permissions on a case by case basis is eliminated.

====Can I waive license terms or conditions?====
Yes. You may always choose to waive some license terms or conditions. Material licensed under a CC license but with additional permissions granted or conditions waived may be compatibly licensed with other material under the same license. Our [[CCPlus |CC+ protocol]] provides a mechanism for facilitating that grant or waiver.


====Can I enter into separate or supplemental agreements with users of my work?====
Yes. CC licenses are nonexclusive. Licensors always have the option of entering into separate arrangements for the sharing of their material in addition to applying a CC license. However, those different arrangements are not “CC” or “Creative Commons” licenses.

'''Separate agreements:''' You may offer the licensed material under other licenses in addition to the CC license (a practice commonly referred to as "dual licensing"). For example, you may wish to license a video game soundtrack under both a CC license and the GPL, so that it may be used under either set of terms. A reuser may then choose which set of terms to comply with. Or, for example, you may offer your material to the public under a NonCommercial license, but offer commercial permissions to fee-paying customers.

'''Supplemental agreements:''' Problems arise when licensors design those terms or arrangements to serve not as separate, alternative licensing arrangements but as supplemental terms [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_change_the_license_terms_or_conditions.3F|having the effect of changing the standard terms within the CC license]]. While you may offer separate terms and conditions to other parties, you should not do so in such a way that would neutralize terms of the CC license.

Except in the limited situation where [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_waive_license_terms_or_conditions.3F|more permissions are being granted or license conditions are waived]], if the additional arrangement modifies or conflicts with the CC license terms, then the resulting licensing arrangement is no longer a CC licensing arrangement. To avoid confusing those who may mistakenly believe the work is licensed under standard CC terms, we must insist that in these instances licensors not use our [http://creativecommons.org/policies trademarks, names, and logos] in connection with their custom licensing arrangement.

It should be noted that any agreements you make with other parties only have an effect on the other parties to that agreement, and do not apply to anyone else receiving the licensed material. For example, if there are terms of use that apply to visitors to your website on which you host CC-licensed material, your terms of use may apply to visitors to that website, but not to anyone who receives copies of the CC-licensed material elsewhere. Even for the visitors to your website, any separate terms and conditions do not become part of the license—they remain a separate contractual agreement, and violation of this agreement does not constitute copyright infringement.

===After licensing===


====What happens if I offer my material under a Creative Commons license and someone misuses them?====
A CC license [[#How_can_I_lose_my_rights_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F_If_that_happens.2C_how_do_I_get_them_back.3F|terminates automatically]] when its conditions are violated. For example, if a reuser of CC-licensed material does not provide the attribution required when sharing the work, then the user no longer has the right to continue using the material and may be liable for copyright infringement. The license is terminated for the user who violated the license. However, all other users still have a valid license, so long as they are in compliance.

Under the 4.0 licenses, a licensee automatically gets these rights back if she fixes the violation within 30 days of discovering it.

If you apply a Creative Commons license and a user violates the license conditions, you may opt to contact the person directly to ask them to rectify the situation or consult a lawyer to act on your behalf. Creative Commons is not a law firm and cannot represent you or give you legal advice, but there are [[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F|lawyers who have identified themselves as interested in representing people in CC-related matters]].


====What can I do if I offer my material under a Creative Commons license and I do not like the way someone uses it?====
As long as users abide by license terms and conditions, licensors cannot control how the material is used. However, CC licenses do provide several mechanisms that allow licensors to choose not to be associated with their material or to uses of their material with which they disagree.

First, all CC licenses [[#Do_I_need_to_be_aware_of_anything_else_when_providing_attribution.3F|prohibit using the attribution requirement to suggest that the licensor endorses or supports a particular use]]. Second, licensors may waive the attribution requirement, choosing not to be identified as the licensor, if they wish. Third, if the licensor does not like how the material has been modified or used, CC licenses require that the licensee [[License_Versions#Licensors_may_request_removal_of_attribution|remove the attribution information upon request]]. (In 3.0 and earlier, this is only a requirement for adaptations and collections; in 4.0, this also applies to the unmodified work.) Finally, anyone modifying licensed material must [[License_Versions#Modifications_and_adaptations_must_be_indicated|indicate that the original has been modified]]. This ensures that changes made to the original material--whether or not the licensor approves of them--are not attributed back to the licensor.



====What do I do if someone tries to place effective technological measures (such as DRM) on my CC-licensed material?====
The use of [[#Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_use_effective_technological_measures_.28such_as_DRM.29_when_I_share_CC-licensed_material.3F|any effective technical protection measures (such as digital rights management or "DRM")]] by licensees to prevent others from exercising the licensed rights is prohibited.

Not all kinds of encryption or [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_share_CC-licensed_material_on_password-protected_sites.3F|access limitations]] are prohibited by the licenses. For example, sending content via email and encrypting it with the recipient's public key does not restrict use of the work by the recipient. Likewise, limiting recipients to a particular set of users (for example, by requiring a username and password to enter a site) does not restrict further use of the content by the recipients. In these examples, these things do not prevent the recipient from exercising all of the rights granted by the license, including the right to redistribute it further.

If someone is applying effective technological measures to your CC-licensed material that do restrict exercise of the licensed rights (such as applying DRM that restricts copying), this is a violation of the license terms unless you have chosen to grant this permission separately.

====When I release my work under a CC license in one format (e.g., .pdf), can I restrict licensees from changing it to or using it in other formats?====
No. CC licenses grant permission to use the licensed material in any media or format regardless of the format in which it has been made available. This is true even if you have applied a NoDerivatives license to your work. Once a CC license is applied to a work in one format or medium, a licensee may use the same work in any other format or medium without violating the licensor’s copyright.


====What if I change my mind about using a CC license?====

CC licenses are not revocable. Once something has been published under a CC license, licensees may continue using it according to the license terms for the duration of applicable copyright and similar rights. As a licensor, you may stop distributing under the CC license at any time, but anyone who has access to a copy of the material may continue to redistribute it under the CC license terms. While you cannot revoke the license, CC licenses do provide a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_can_I_do_if_I_offer_my_work_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_I_do_not_like_the_way_someone_uses_my_work.3F|mechanism]] for licensors to ask that others using their material remove the attribution information. You should [[Considerations for licensors and licensees|think carefully before choosing a Creative Commons license]].

==For Licensees==
===Before using CC-licensed material===


====What should I think about before using material offered under a Creative Commons license?====
CC offers [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ six core licenses], each of which grants a different set of permissions. Before you use CC-licensed material, [http://creativecommons.org/about/licenses/ you should review the terms of the particular license] to be sure your anticipated use is permitted. If you wish to use the work in a manner that is not permitted by the license, you should contact the rights holder (often the creator) to get permission first, or look for an alternative work that is licensed in a way that permits your anticipated use. Note that if you use material in a way that is not permitted by the applicable license and your use is not otherwise permitted by an applicable copyright exception or limitation, the license is [[#How_can_I_lose_my_rights_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F_If_that_happens.2C_how_do_I_get_them_back.3F|automatically terminated]] and you may be liable for copyright infringement, even if you are eligible to have your rights reinstated later.

Before using material offered under a Creative Commons license, you should know that [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_a_Creative_Commons_license_give_me_all_the_rights_I_need_to_use_the_work.3F|CC licenses only grant permissions needed under copyright and similar rights]], and there may be additional rights you need to use it as intended. You should also understand that licensors do not offer warranties or guarantees about the material they are licensing unless expressly indicated otherwise. All materials are licensed "AS IS" and a disclaimer of warranties applies unless expressly provided otherwise. If you want to ask for a warranty or guarantee about rights to use the material, you should talk with the licensor before using it.


====Does a Creative Commons license give me all the rights I need to use the work?====
It depends. CC licenses do not license rights other than copyright and [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_use_CC_licenses_to_license_rights_other_than_copyright.3F|similar rights]] (which include [[#What_are_sui_generis_database_rights.3F|sui generis database rights]] in version 4.0). For example, they do not license trademark or patent rights, or the [[#What_are_publicity.2C_personality.2C_and_privacy_rights.3F|publicity, personality, and privacy rights]] of third parties. However, licensors agree to waive or not assert any [[#What_are_moral_rights.3F|moral rights]], publicity rights, personality rights, or privacy rights they themselves hold, to the limited extent necessary to allow exercise of the licensed rights. Any rights outside of the scope of the license may require clearance (i.e., permission) in order to use the work as you would like.

Additionally, creative works sometimes incorporate works owned by others (known as "third party content"), often used pursuant to a CC license or under an exception or limitation to copyright such as fair use in the U.S. You should make sure you have permission to use any third party content contained in the work you want to use, or that your use is otherwise allowed under the laws of your jurisdiction, particularly in cases such as fair use where your right to use the content depends on the particular context in which you plan to use it.

All CC licenses contain a disclaimer of warranties, meaning that the licensor is not guaranteeing anything about the work, including whether she owns the copyright, has received permission to include third-party content within her work, or secured other rights such as through the use of model releases if a person's image is used in the work. You [[#Can_Creative_Commons_give_legal_advice_about_its_licenses_or_help_with_CC_license_enforcement.3F|may wish to obtain legal advice]] before using CC-licensed material if you are not sure whether you have all the rights you need.

====What if there are sui generis database rights that apply to my use of a CC-licensed database?====
In the somewhat limited circumstances where sui generis database rights apply to your use, special conditions apply and there are more specific considerations you should be aware of. Under 4.0, sui generis database rights are licensed alongside copyright, but the treatment in earlier versions of the license varies. A fuller explanation of these variations and related considerations is available in the [[Data|Data FAQ]].

====Where can I find material offered under a CC license?====
If you are looking for material offered under a Creative Commons license, [http://search.creativecommons.org/ CC Search] is a good starting point. There is also a [[Content_Directories|directory]] of organizations and individuals who use CC licenses. Some media sites, such as [http://www.flickr.com/ Flickr], have search filters for material licensed using CC's licenses.

Be sure to confirm that the material you want to use is actually under a CC license, as search results may sometimes be misleading.


====Are Creative Commons works really free to use?====
Yes. While many if not most CC-licensed works are available at no cost, some licensors charge for initial access to CC-licensed works—for example, by publishing CC-licensed content only to subscribers, or by charging for downloads. However, even if you have paid an access charge, once you have a copy of CC-licensed material, you may make any further uses permitted by the license without paying licensing fees.

(If you wish to make uses that are not permitted by the license—for example, making a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F|commercial use]] of an NC-licensed photo—the licensor may charge for those additional rights.)

====What should I know about differences between the international licenses and the ported licenses?====
As a licensee, you should always read and understand the relevant license's legal code before using CC-licensed material, particularly if you are using material that is licensed using a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_are_the_international_.28.E2.80.9Cunported.E2.80.9D.29_Creative_Commons_licenses.2C_and_why_does_CC_offer_.E2.80.9Cported.E2.80.9D_licenses.3F|ported license]] with which you are unfamiliar. Our porting process involved adapting the international licenses to the legal framework of different jurisdictions, and in that process slight adjustments may have been made that you should make yourself aware of in advance of using the material. You can find more information about the ported licenses in the [[Jurisdiction Database]].

There are currently no ported versions of 4.0, and we expect there will be few, if any, in the future. All official translations of the 4.0 international licenses are equivalent: you may substitute one for another depending on your preferred language.

However, the ported versions of 3.0 and earlier sometimes contain small differences from the international license depending on the ways in which they have been adapted to their jurisdictions. For example, a handful of the ported licenses contain provisions specifying which laws will apply in the event the licensor chooses to enforce the license, and a few of the ported licenses contain forum selection clauses.

===General license compliance===


====What happens if I want to use the material in a way that is not permitted by the license?====
Contact the rights holders to ask for permission. Otherwise, [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not.2C_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|unless an exception or limitation to copyright applies]], your use of the material may violate the Creative Commons license. If you violate the terms of the license, your rights to use the material will be [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_can_I_lose_my_rights_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F_If_that_happens.2C_how_do_I_get_them_back.3F|automatically terminated]], and you may be liable for copyright infringement.

====Do I always have to comply with the license terms? If not, what are the exceptions?====
You need to comply with the license terms if what you are doing would otherwise require permission from the rights holder. If your use would not require permission from the rights holder because it falls under an exception or limitation, such as fair use, or because the material has come into the public domain, the license does not apply, and you do not need to comply with its terms and conditions. Additionally, if you are using an excerpt small enough to be uncopyrightable, the license does not apply to your use, and you do not need to comply with its terms.

However, if you are using excerpts of CC-licensed material which individually are minimal and do not require license compliance, but together make up a significant copyrightable chunk, you must comply with the license terms. For example, if you quote many individual lines from a poem across several sections of a blog post, and your use is not a fair use, you must comply with the license even though no individual line would have been a substantial enough portion of the work to require this.

===Attribution===


====How do I properly attribute material offered under a Creative Commons license?====
All CC licenses require users to attribute the creator of licensed material, unless the creator has [[#Can_I_waive_license_terms_or_conditions.3F|waived that requirement]], not supplied a name, or [[#What_can_I_do_if_I_offer_my_material_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_I_do_not_like_the_way_someone_uses_it.3F|asked that her name be removed]]. Additionally, you must retain a copyright notice, a link to the license (or to the deed), a license notice, a notice about the disclaimer of warranties, and a URI if reasonable. For versions prior to 4.0, you must also provide the title of the work. (Though it is not a requirement in 4.0, it is still recommended if one is supplied.)

You must also indicate if you have [[License_Versions#Modifications_and_adaptations_must_be_marked_as_such|modified the work]]—for example, if you have taken an excerpt, or cropped a photo. (For versions prior to 4.0, this is only required if you have created an adaptation by contributing your own creative material, but it is recommended even when not required.) It is not necessary to note trivial alterations, such as correcting a typo or changing a font size. Finally, you must retain an indication of previous modifications to the work.

CC licenses have a flexible attribution requirement, so there is not necessarily one correct way to provide attribution. The proper method for giving credit will depend on the medium and means you are using, and may be implemented in any reasonable manner. Additionally, you may satisfy the attribution requirement by providing a link to a place where the attribution information may be found.

While the attribution requirements in the license are the minimum requirement, we always recommend that you [[Marking/Users|follow the best practices]] for the kind of use you are making. For example, if you are using scientific data marked with CC0, you are not required to give attribution at all, but we recommend that you give the same credit you would give to any other source—not because the license requires it, but because that is the standard for letting others know the source of the data.

The CC website offers some [[Marking/Users|best practices]] to help you attribute properly, and the [http://www.creativecommons.org.au/ CC Australia] team has developed a [http://creativecommons.org.au/content/attributingccmaterials.pdf helpful guide to attributing CC-licensed material (.pdf)] in different formats. Note that the attribution and marking requirements vary slightly among license versions. See [[License_Versions#Detailed_attribution_comparison_chart|here for a chart comparing the specific requirements]].


====Do I need to be aware of anything else when providing attribution?====
Yes. You need to be careful not to imply any sponsorship, endorsement, or connection with the licensor or attribution party without their permission. Wrongfully implying that a creator, publisher, or anyone else endorses you or your use of a work may be unlawful. Creative Commons makes the obligation not to imply endorsement explicit in its licenses. In addition, if the licensor of a work [[#What_can_I_do_if_I_offer_my_material_under_a_Creative_Commons_license_and_I_do_not_like_the_way_someone_uses_it.3F|requests that you remove the identifying credit]], you must do so to the extent practical.

Additionally, when you are using a work that is an adaptation of one or more pre-existing works, you may need to [[Marking/Creators/Marking_third_party_content|give credit to the creator(s) of the pre-existing work(s)]], in addition to giving credit to the creator of the adaptation.

====Do I always have to attribute the creator of the licensed material?====
You must attribute the creator when you provide material to the public by any means that is restricted by copyright or similar rights. If you are using the material personally but are not making it or any adaptations of it available to others, you do not have to attribute the licensor. Similarly, if you are only distributing the material or adaptations of it within your company or organization, you do not have to comply with the attribution requirement. Learn [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not.2C_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|more]] about when compliance with the license is not required.

===Using licensed material===


====Does my use violate the NonCommercial clause of the licenses?====
CC's NonCommercial (NC) licenses prohibit uses that are "primarily intended for or directed toward commercial advantage or monetary compensation." This is intended to capture the intention of the NC-using community without placing detailed restrictions that are either too broad or too narrow. Please note that CC's definition does not turn on the type of user: if you are a nonprofit or charitable organization, your use of an NC-licensed work could still run afoul of the NC restriction, and if you are a for-profit entity, your use of an NC-licensed work does not necessarily mean you have violated the term. Whether a use is commercial will depend on the specifics of the situation and the intentions of the user.

In CC's experience, it is usually relatively easy to determine whether a use is permitted, and known conflicts are relatively few considering the popularity of the NC licenses. However, there will always be uses that are challenging to categorize as commercial or noncommercial. CC cannot advise you on what is and is not commercial use. If you are unsure, you should either contact the rights holder for clarification, or search for works that permit commercial uses.

In 2008, [[Defining_Noncommercial|Creative Commons published results]] from a survey on meanings of commercial and noncommercial use generally. Note that the results of the study are not intended to serve as CC's official interpretation of what is and is not commercial use under our licenses, and the results should not be relied upon as such.

====Can I take a CC-licensed work and use it in a different format?====
Yes. When any of the six CC licenses is applied to material, licensees are granted permission to use the material as the license allows, whatever the media or format chosen by the user when it is used or distributed further. This is true even in our NoDerivatives licenses. This is one of a very few default rules established in our licenses, to harmonize what may be different outcomes depending on where CC-licensed material is reused and what jurisdiction’s copyright law applies.

This means, for example, that even if a creator distributes a work in digital format, you have permission to print and share a hard copy of the same work.


====How do I know if a low-resolution photo and a high-resolution photo are the same work?====
As with most copyright questions, it will depend on applicable law. Generally, to be different works under copyright law, there must be expressive or original choices made that make one work a separate and distinct work from another. The determination depends on the standards for copyright in the relevant jurisdiction.

Under U.S. copyright law, for example, mechanical reproduction of a work into a different format [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridgeman_Art_Library_v._Corel_Corp. is unlikely to create a separate, new work]. Consequently, digitally enhancing or changing the format of a work ''absent some originality'', such as expressive choices made in the enhancement or encoding, will not likely create a separate work for copyright purposes. The creative bar is low, but it is not non-existent. Accordingly, in some jurisdictions releasing a photograph under a CC license will give the public permission to reuse the photograph in a different resolution.

====Can I use effective technological measures (such as DRM) when I share CC-licensed material?====
No. When you receive material under a Creative Commons license, you may not place additional terms and conditions on the reuse of the work. This includes using effective technological measures (ETMs) that would restrict a licensee’s ability to exercise the licensed rights.

A technological measure is considered an ETM if circumventing it carries penalties under laws fulfilling obligations under Article 11 of the WIPO Copyright Treaty adopted on December 20, 1996, or similar international agreements. Generally, this means that the anti-circumvention laws of various jurisdictions would cover attempts to break it.

For example, if you remix a CC-licensed song, and you wish to share it on a music site that places digital copy-restriction on all uploaded files, you may not do this without express permission from the licensor. However, if you upload that same file to your own site or any other site that does not apply DRM to the file, and a listener chooses to stream it through an app that applies DRM, you have not violated the license.

Note that merely converting material into a different format that is difficult to access or is only available for certain platforms does not violate the restriction; you may do this without violating the license terms.

====Can I share CC-licensed material on password-protected sites?====
Yes. This is not considered to be a prohibited measure, so long as the protection is merely limiting who may access the content, and does not restrict the authorized recipients from exercising the licensed rights. For example, you may post material under any CC license on a site restricted to members of a certain school, or to paying customers, but [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_use_effective_technological_measures_.28such_as_DRM.29_when_I_share_CC-licensed_material.3F|you may not place effective technological measures (including DRM) on the files]] that prevents them from sharing the material elsewhere.

(Note that charging for access may not be permitted with NC-licensed material; however, it is not disallowed by the restriction on ETMs.)

====Can I share CC-licensed material on file-sharing networks?====
Yes. All CC licenses allow redistribution of the unmodified material by any means, including distribution via file-sharing networks. Note that file-trading is expressly considered to be noncommercial for purposes of compliance with the NC licenses. Barter of NC-licensed material for other items of value is not permitted.

===Additional restrictions on licensed material===

====What if I received CC-licensed material encumbered with effective technological measures (such as DRM)?====
If you have received material under a CC license that is encumbered with effective technological measures (such as digital rights management or DRM), you may or may not be permitted to break it, depending on the circumstances. By releasing material under a CC license, the licensor agrees not to assert any rights she may have to prevent the circumvention of effective technological measures. (Under the 3.0 and earlier licenses, this is implied but not explicit.) However, if she has uploaded it to a site or other distribution channel that itself applies such measures, that site may have the right to prevent you from breaking them, even though the licensor herself cannot do so.

Note that anti-circumvention laws can impose criminal liability in some jurisdictions.

====What if I have received CC-licensed material with additional restrictions?====
It is possible that CC-licensed material will appear on platforms that impose terms in addition to the copyright license (though [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Can_I_enter_into_separate_or_supplemental_agreements_with_users_of_my_work.3F|Creative Commons strongly discourages restrictions that interfere with exercise of the licensed rights]]). These additional terms do not form part of the license for the work. For example, if you download CC-licensed material from a site that does not permit downloading, you may be breaking the terms of use of the site, but you are not infringing the CC license.

===Combining and adapting CC material===

====When is my use considered an adaptation?====
Whether a modification of licensed material is considered an [[#What_is_an_adaptation.3F|adaptation]] for the purpose of CC licenses depends primarily on the applicable copyright law. Copyright law reserves to an original creator the right to create adaptations of the original work. CC licenses that allow for adaptations to be shared—all except BY-ND and BY-NC-ND—grant permission to others to create and redistribute adaptations when doing so would otherwise constitute a violation of applicable copyright law. Generally, a modification rises to the level of an adaptation under copyright law when the modified work is based on the prior work but manifests sufficient new creativity to be copyrightable, such as a translation of a novel from one language to another, or the creation of a screenplay based on a novel.

Under CC licenses, synching music in timed relation with a moving image is always considered an adaptation, whether or not it would be considered so under applicable law. Also, under version 4.0, certain uses of databases restricted by sui generis database rights also constitute adaptations (called "Adapted Material" in the 4.0 licenses), whether or not they would be considered adaptations under copyright law. For more details about adaptations in the database context, see the [[Data|Data FAQ]].

Note that all CC licenses allow the user to exercise the rights permitted under the license [[#Can_I_take_a_CC-licensed_work_and_use_it_in_a_different_format.3F|in any format or medium]]. Those changes are not considered adaptations even if applicable law would suggest otherwise. For example, you may redistribute a book that uses the CC [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ BY-NC-ND] license in print form when it was originally distributed online, even if you have had to make formatting changes to do so, as long as you do so in compliance with the other terms of the license.

'''''Note on terminology: throughout these FAQs, we use the term "remix" interchangeably with “adapt.” Both are designed to mean doing something that constitutes an [[FAQ#What_is_an_adaptation.3F|adaptation under copyright law]].'''''




====Can I combine material under different Creative Commons licenses in my work?====
It depends. The first question to ask is whether doing so constitutes an [[FAQ#When_is_my_use_considered_an_adaptation.3F|adaptation.]] If the combination does '''''not''''' create an adaptation, then you may combine any CC-licensed content so long as you provide attribution and comply with the NonCommercial restriction if it applies. If you want to combine material in a way that results in the creation of an adaptation (i.e. a “remix”), then you must pay attention to the particular license that applies to the content you want to combine.

The NoDerivatives licenses do not permit remixing except for private use (the pre-4.0 licenses do not permit remixing at all, except as allowed by exceptions and limitations to copyright). All the other CC licenses allow remixes, but may impose limitations or conditions on how the remix may be used. For example, if you create a remix with material licensed under a ShareAlike license, you need to make sure that all of the material contributed to the remix is licensed under the same license or [http://creativecommons.org/compatiblelicenses one that CC has named as compatible], and you must [[Marking/Users|properly credit all of the sources]] with the [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_do_I_properly_attribute_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.3F|required attribution]] and license information. Similarly, if you want to use a remix for [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F|commercial purposes]], you cannot incorporate material released under one of the NonCommercial licenses.

The chart below shows which CC-licensed material can be remixed. To use the chart, find a license on the left column and on the top right row. If there is a check mark in the box where that row and column intersect, then the works can be remixed. If there is an “X” in the box, then the works may not be remixed unless an exception or limitation applies. See [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#If_I_derive_or_adapt_material_offered_under_a_Creative_Commons_license.2C_which_CC_license.28s.29_can_I_use.3F|below for details on how remixes may be licensed]].

[[File:CC_License_Compatibility_Chart.png|thumb|center|800px|alt=Creative Commons License Compatibility Chart|]]




====If I derive or adapt material offered under a Creative Commons license, which CC license(s) can I use?====
If you make [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#When_is_my_use_considered_an_adaptation.3F|adaptations]] of material under a CC license (i.e. "remix"), the original CC license always applies to the material you are adapting even once adapted. The license you may choose for your own contribution (called your "adapter's license") depends on which license applies to the original material. Recipients of the adaptation must comply with both the CC license on the original and your adapter’s license.

:=====BY and BY-NC material=====
When remixing BY or BY-NC material, it is generally recommended that your adapter's license include at least the same license elements as the license applied to the original material. This eases reuse for downstream users because they are able to satisfy both licenses by complying with the adapter's license. For example, if you adapt material licensed under BY-NC, your adapter's license should also contain the NC restriction. See the chart below for more details.

:=====BY-SA and BY-NC-SA material=====
In general, when remixing ShareAlike content, your adapter's license must be the same license as the license on the material you are adapting. All licenses after version 1.0 also allow you to license your contributions under a later version of the same license, and some also allow ported licenses. (See the [[License_Versions#Compatibility_mechanism_in_BY-SA_licenses|license versions page]] for details.) If you wish to adapt material under BY-SA or BY-NC-SA and release your contributions under a non-CC license, you should visit the [http://creativecommons.org/compatiblelicenses Compatibility page] to see which options are allowed. Currently, no non-CC licenses are listed as compatible.

:=====BY-ND and BY-NC-ND material=====
The BY-ND and BY-NC-ND licenses do not permit distribution of adaptations (also known as remixes or derivative works), and prohibits the creation of adaptations under the pre-4.0 versions of those licenses. Since you may not share remixes of these materials at all, there is no compatibility with other licenses. (Note that the ND licenses do allow you to reproduce the material in unmodified form together with other material in a collection, as indicated in the next FAQ.)

:=====Adapter's license chart=====
The chart below details the CC license(s) you may use as your adapter's license. When creating an adaptation of material under the license identified in the lefthand column, you may license your contributions to the adaptation under one of the licenses indicated on the top row if the corresponding box is green. If the box is yellow, you should proceed with caution. CC does not recommend using these combinations, although they are technically permitted by the terms of the license. You should take additional care to mark the adaptation as involving multiple copyrights under different terms so that downstream users are aware of their obligations to comply with the licenses from all rights holders. Dark gray boxes indicate those licenses that you may not use as your adapter's license.

{| style="width:600px;" border="1" cellpadding="10" class="wiki_table"
|-
| colspan="2" rowspan="2" | '''Adapter's license chart'''
| colspan="7" align="center" | Adapter's license
|-
| BY || BY-NC || BY-NC-ND || BY-NC-SA || BY-ND || BY-SA || PD
|-
| rowspan="7" style="width:12ex;" | Status of original work
| PD || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:yellow;" |  
|-
| BY-NC || style="background-color:yellow;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:yellow;" |   || style="background-color:yellow;" |   || style="background-color:yellow;" |  
|-
| BY-NC-ND || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |  
|-
| BY-NC-SA || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |  
|-
| BY-ND || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |  
|-
| BY-SA || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:darkgray;" |  
|-
|}
{| style="width:600px;" border="1" cellpadding="10"
|-
| Abbreviation Key
*BY = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Attribution only]
*BY-ND = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Attribution-NoDerivatives]
*BY-NC-ND = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Attribution-NonCommercial- NoDerivatives]
*BY-NC = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Attribution-NonCommercial]
*BY-NC-SA = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ Attribution-NonCommercial- ShareAlike]
*BY-SA = [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ Attribution-ShareAlike]
*PD = Dedicated to or marked as being in the public domain via one of our [http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain public domain tools], or other public domain material; adaptations of materials in the public domain may be built upon and licensed by the creator under any license terms desired.
|-
|}



====If I create a collection that includes a work offered under a CC license, which license(s) may I choose for the collection?====
All Creative Commons licenses (including the version 4.0 licenses) allow licensed material to be included in collections such as anthologies, encyclopedias, and broadcasts. You may choose a license for the collection, however this does not change the license applicable to the original material.

When you include CC-licensed content in a collection, you still must adhere to the license conditions governing your use of the material incorporated. For example, material under any of the Creative Commons NonCommercial licenses cannot be used [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Does_my_use_violate_the_NonCommercial_clause_of_the_licenses.3F|commercially]]. The table below indicates what type of CC-licensed works you may incorporate into collections licensed for commercial and noncommercial uses.

{| style="width:400px;" border="1" cellpadding="10" class="wiki_table"
|-
| Original Work ||Commercial Collection (BY, BY-SA, BY-ND) || NonCommercial Collection (BY-NC, BY-NC-SA, BY-NC-ND)
|-
| PD || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-NC ||   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-NC-ND ||   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-NC-SA ||   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-ND || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
| BY-SA || style="background-color:green;" |   || style="background-color:green;" |  
|-
|}

===License termination===
==== When do Creative Commons licenses expire? ====
Creative Commons licenses expire when the underlying copyright and similar rights expire.

Note that the relevant rights may expire at different times. For example, you may have a CC-licensed song where the rights in the musical arrangement expire before the rights in the lyrics. In this case, when the copyright in the music expires, you may use it [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#Do_I_always_have_to_comply_with_the_license_terms.3F_If_not.2C_what_are_the_exceptions.3F|without being required to comply with the conditions of the CC license]]; however, you must still comply with the license if you use the lyrics.

====What happens if the author decides to revoke the CC license to material I am using?====
The CC licenses are irrevocable. This means that once you receive material under a CC license, you will always have the right to use it under those license terms, even if the licensor changes his or her mind and stops distributing under the CC license terms. Of course, you may choose to respect the licensor’s wishes and stop using the work.

====How can I lose my rights under a Creative Commons license? If that happens, how do I get them back?====
All of the CC licenses terminate if you fail to follow the license conditions. If this happens, you no longer have a license to use the material.

In the 4.0 licenses, your rights under the license are automatically reinstated if you correct this failure within 30 days of discovering the violation (either on your own or because the licensor or someone else has told you). Under the 3.0 and earlier licenses, there is no automatic reinstatement.

If you have lost your rights under a CC license and are not entitled to automatic reinstatement, you may regain your rights under the license if the licensor expressly grants you permission. You cannot simply re-download the material to get a new license.

Note that you may still be liable for damages for copyright infringement for the period where you were not in compliance with the license.

==Technical Questions==


====How do Creative Commons licenses and public domain tools work technically?====

The Creative Commons licenses have [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ three layers], as does the [http://creativecommons.org/about/cc0 CC0 public domain dedication]: the human-readable deed, the lawyer-readable legal code, and the machine-readable metadata. The [http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/ Public Domain Mark] is not legally operative, and so has only two layers: the human-readable mark and machine-readable metadata.

When material is licensed using any of the CC licenses or tools, it is highly recommended that a [http://creativecommons.org/about/downloads CC button], text, or other marker somehow accompany it. There are many possible modes for marking. For our licenses, people generally use the [http://creativecommons.org/choose CC license chooser] to generate HTML code that can be pasted into the webpage where the licensed material is published. CC0 and the Public Domain Mark have a separate [http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/ chooser]. Many platforms and web services such as [http://www.flickr.com Flickr] and [[Drupal]] support CC licensing directly, allowing you to select an appropriate license. The service then properly marks the work for you.

CC has published some best practices for [[Marking/Creators|marking]] your CC-licensed material, and recommends:

*Including a visual indicator (some combination of text and images) that the work is licensed with one of the CC licenses.
*Clearly indicating what material is covered under the CC license, especially if it's presented alongside non-licensed materials.
*Including a link to the human-readable deed (which itself contains a link to the legal code).
*Embedding [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_does_it_mean_that_Creative_Commons_licenses_are_.22machine_readable.22.3F|machine-readable]] metadata in the code of the license indicator or code of the licensed page.

'''See the [[Marking/Creators|marking]] page for more details.'''

====What does it mean that Creative Commons licenses are "machine-readable"?====

Creative Commons has [[CC REL|specified CC REL]] as a way to associate machine-readable licensing metadata with objects offered under CC licenses.

Before Creative Commons developed this vocabulary, it was difficult for a machine to ascertain whether an object was marked with a CC license. There was also no standard, predictable place to house metadata about that license (for example, the source URL of the work or the required mode of attribution).

Machine-readable metadata based on well-accepted metadata standards creates a platform upon which new services and applications can be built. Software and services can detect CC licenses and the details of that license, as described by the metadata. For example, on many websites and search engines such as Google and Flickr, you can run filtered searches for works offered under specific CC licenses. In addition, CC license deeds can automatically create copy-and-paste attribution code so users may easily comply with the BY condition of the licenses. When you click on a CC license or [http://creativecommons.org/about/downloads button] from a page with license metadata, you get copy-and-paste attribution HTML within that license deed page. That HTML is based on available RDFa metadata in the original material.

All HTML provided by the [http://creativecommons.org/choose CC license chooser] is automatically annotated with [[metadata]] in [[RDFa]] format.



====What is RDFa?====

[[RDFa]] is a method for embedding structured data in a web page. For more information about RDFa, see the following resources:

* [http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml-rdfa-primer/ RDFa Primer]: Bridging the Human and Data Webs
* [http://rdfa.info/ RDFa.info]
* [http://rdfa.info/wiki RDFa Wiki]


====What is CC REL and why does Creative Commons recommend it?====

[http://wiki.creativecommons.org/CC_REL Creative Commons Rights Expression Language] (CC REL) renders information about licenses and works machine-readable through standards that define the semantic web. Creative Commons wants to make it easy for creators and scientists to build upon the works of others when they choose; licensing your work for reuse and ﬁnding properly licensed works to reuse should be easy. CC recommends that you mark your licensed works with CC REL. The Creative Commons license chooser provides HTML annotated with CC REL, while the Creative Commons deeds recognize CC REL on web pages with works offered under a CC license, and use this metadata to enhance the deed for properly marked-up works, e.g., by providing copy and paste HTML that includes work attribution.

For more background information on CC REL, please refer to this [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/images/d/d6/Ccrel-1.0.pdf paper].

====What does it mean for a search engine to be CC-enabled?====

Some search engines (like [http://www.google.com/advanced_search?hl=en Google]) allow people to filter their search results by usage rights so that you can limit your search results according to the particular CC license you seek. For example, if you are looking for a photo to adapt, you can filter your search to return photos that have a CC license that permits creation of adaptations. You can generally find this search feature on the advanced search page of your selected search engine. You can also use [http://search.creativecommons.org CC Search], which offers a convenient interface to search and a list of those content providers that support searches for content based on usage rights.

Please note, however, that you should always double check to make sure that the work you locate through a search is licensed as you wish.




====How do I give users of my site the option to use CC licensing like Flickr does?====

Creative Commons provides tools for integrating license selection with your site. You can find an overview at the Web Integration article on the [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Web_Integration CC wiki]. The [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Partner_Interface Partner Interface] is a good way to get started and will always have the most up-to-date license versions and translations. However, there is also an [http://api.creativecommons.org/docs/ API] available if you want more control.

====How can I change or remove the Creative Commons search option built into the Firefox browser?====

Mozilla has included the Creative Commons search function in many versions of Firefox along with search options for Google, Amazon, and other popular sites. Please take a look at the [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Firefox_and_CC_Search Firefox article on the CC wiki] for an explanation of how to change these features.

If you want to add or remove a particular search option, click on the logo in the search box (for example, the CC logo or the Google logo). This will open the pull down menu, which will allow you to select different search providers. If you choose “Manage Search Engines,” you will be able to add or remove search engines. You can also alter the order in which the search providers appear on the pull down menu.

====Is Creative Commons involved in digital rights management (DRM)?====

No. CC licenses are a form of rights expression, not rights management. CC provides tools to make it easier for creators and owners to say which rights they reserve and permissions they grant. This is different from digital rights management (or “DRM”), which uses technological protection measures to prevent people from using the work in a way that the owner has not permitted.

CC licenses contain language prohibiting licensees from the use of effective technological measures (including DRM) to prevent access to licensed material: ”You may not offer or impose any additional or different terms or conditions on, or apply any Effective Technological Measures to, the Licensed Material if doing so restricts exercise of the Licensed Rights by any such recipient.”

While licensors may apply effective technological measures (ETMs) to their own materials, the licensor provides a [[Frequently_Asked_Questions#What_if_I_received_CC-licensed_material_encumbered_with_effective_technological_measures_.28such_as_DRM.29.3F|limited permission to circumvent these measures]]: “The Licensor waives and/or agrees not to assert any right or authority to forbid You from making technical modifications necessary to exercise the Licensed Rights, including technical modifications necessary to circumvent Effective Technological Measures.” Note that this only applies to effective technological measures applied by licensors themselves: third parties such as distribution platforms may still apply ETMs if the licensor uploads there, and the license is not able to grant you permission to circumvent it.

==Legal Background==

====What is copyright and why does it matter?====

Copyright law grants exclusive rights to creators of original works of authorship. National laws usually extend protections to such works automatically once fixed in a tangible medium, prohibiting the making of copies without the rights holder’s permission, among other things. On the internet, even the most basic activities involve making copies of copyrighted content. As content is increasingly uploaded, downloaded, and shared online, copyright law is becoming more relevant to more people than it was 20 years ago. Unfortunately, infringing copyrights—even unintentionally or unknowingly—can lead to liability. Successful navigation of the internet requires some understanding of copyright law.

====What is the public domain?====

The public domain of copyright refers to the aggregate of those works that are not restricted by copyright within a given jurisdiction. A work may be part of the public domain because the applicable term of copyright has expired, because the rights holder surrendered copyright in the work with a tool like [http://creativecommons.org/about/cc0 CC0], or because the work did not meet the applicable standards for copyrightability.

Because the public domain depends on the copyright laws in force within a particular territory, sometimes a work may be considered “in the public domain” of one jurisdiction, but not in another. For example, [http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#105 U.S. government works are automatically in the public domain under U.S. copyright law], but might be restricted by copyright in other countries.

The [http://publicdomainmanifesto.org/ Public Domain Manifesto], the [http://fairuse.stanford.edu/Copyright_and_Fair_Use_Overview/chapter8/Stanford University Libraries] page, and the [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/CC0_FAQ CC0 FAQs] all contain additional information about the public domain.






====What do I need to do to get a copyright?====

Copyright in most jurisdictions attaches automatically without need for any formality once a creative work is fixed in tangible form (i.e. the minute you put pen to paper, take a photo, or hit the “save” button on your computer).

In some jurisdictions, creators may be required to register with a national agency in order to enforce copyright in court. If you would like more information, please consult the [http://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ip/berne/trtdocs_wo001.html Berne Convention] or [http://www.wipo.int/clea/en/ your jurisdiction's copyright law].

Although you do not have to apply a copyright notice for your work to be protected, it may be a useful tool to clearly signal to people that the work is yours. It also tells the public who to contact about the work.


====What is an adaptation?====

An adaptation is a work based on one or more pre-existing works. What constitutes an adaptation depends on applicable law, however translating a work from one language to another or creating a film version of a novel are generally considered adaptations.

In order for an adaptation to be protected by copyright, most national laws require the creator of the adaptation to add original expression to the pre-existing work. However, there is no international standard for originality, and the definition differs depending on the jurisdiction. Civil law jurisdictions (such as [http://www.wipo.int/clea/en/text_html.jsp?lang=EN&id=1034 Germany] and [http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/html/codes_traduits/cpialtext.htm France]) tend to require that the work contain an imprint of the adapter's personality. Common law jurisdictions (such as the [http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#103 U.S.] or [http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/C-42/index.html Canada]), on the other hand, tend to have a lower threshold for originality, requiring only a minimal level of creativity and “independent conception.” Some countries approach originality completely differently. For example, [http://www.wipo.int/clea/en/text_html.jsp?lang=EN&id=514 Brazil's] copyright code protects all works of the mind that do not fall within the list of works that are expressly defined in the statue as “unprotected works.” Consult [http://www.wipo.int/clea/en/ your jurisdiction's copyright law] for more information.



====What are moral rights?====

Copyright laws in many jurisdictions around the world grant creators “moral rights” in addition to the economic or commercial right to exploit their creative works. Moral rights protect the personal and reputational value of a work for its creator. Moral rights differ by country, and can include the right of attribution, the right to have a work published anonymously or pseudonymously, and/or the right to the integrity of the work. The moral right of integrity may provide creators with a source for redress if an adaptation represents derogatory treatment of their work, typically defined as “distortion or mutilation” of the work or treatment that is “prejudicial to the honor, or reputation of the author.” Not all jurisdictions provide for moral rights.

The CC licenses are intended to minimize the effect of moral rights on a licensee’s ability to use licensed material; however, in some jurisdictions, these rights may still have an effect. CC offers some additional information on [[#How_do_Creative_Commons_licenses_affect_my_moral_rights.2C_if_at_all.3F |how CC licenses may affect your moral rights]].

====What are neighboring rights?====

Copyright provides an incentive to create works by providing exclusive rights to creators. However, the distribution or exploitation of a work often involves more than just the creator. For example, if someone writes a song, someone else may perform the song, and another may produce the recording of the song. Some jurisdictions extend copyright to the contributions made by these persons; other jurisdictions extend such exclusive rights in the form of neighboring rights. Neighboring rights may include performers' rights or broadcasters' rights, among others. The [http://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ip/rome/summary_rome.html Rome Convention] sets forth some guidelines on the scope of neighboring rights. Not all jurisdictions recognize neighboring rights.

====What are sui generis database rights?====

Sui generis database rights grant qualifying database makers the right to prohibit the extraction and reuse of a substantial portion of a database. The rights are granted to database makers that make a substantial investment of time and resources to create the database. Sui generis database rights are primarily enacted within the European Union and a handful of other jurisdictions.

====What are collecting societies?====

[http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Version_3#International_Harmonization_.E2.80.94_Collecting_Societies Collecting societies] are copyright management organizations. Some examples of collecting societies include ASCAP and BMI (United States), BUMA/STEMRA (Netherlands), PRS (United Kingdom), and APRA (Australia). These societies license works on behalf of their owners and process royalty payments from parties using the copyrighted works.

CC offers additional information on [[#Can_I_use_a_Creative_Commons_license_if_I_am_a_member_of_a_collecting_society.3F | how collecting societies might affect your rights and your ability to apply CC licenses to your work]]. CC has several [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Collecting_Society_Projects pilots] underway with collecting societies that have chosen to allow their members to use CC licenses on a limited basis.



====What are publicity, personality, and privacy rights?====

These terms are used differently in different jurisdictions. Generally speaking, these rights allow individuals to control the use of their voice, image, likeness, or other identifiable aspect of their identity, especially for purposes of commercial exploitation. Similarly, in some jurisdictions these rights allow people to restrict others' ability to publish information about them without their permission. Whether and to what extent these rights exist, and if so, how they are labeled, varies depending on the jurisdiction.

[[Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_are_publicity.2C_privacy.2C_and_personality_rights_affected_when_I_apply_a_CC_license.3F|Creative Commons licenses have a limited effect on these rights]] where the licensor holds them. Where the licensor has publicity, personality, or privacy rights that may affect your ability to use the material as the license intends, the licensor agrees to waive or not assert those rights. However, any such rights not held by the licensor are not affected and may still affect your desired use of a licensed work. If you have created a work or wish to use a work that might in some way implicate these rights, you may need to obtain permission from the individuals whose rights may be affected.

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