CC0 PDM comparison chart
| Features | Public Domain Mark | CC0 Public Domain Dedication |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of tool | Label for works already in the worldwide public domain | Tool that effectively places a work in the worldwide public domain |
| Who may use | Anyone with knowledge | Rights holder (“affirmer”) |
| Scope | Copyright, including all related and neighboring rights | Copyright, including all related and neighboring rights |
| Legal status of work to which tool may be applied | Any work that is already free of known copyright worldwide, including all neighboring and related rights
NB: the PDM deed notes that moral rights may persist |
Any work that is restricted by affirmer’s copyright or neighboring and related rights, in one or more jurisdiction(s) |
| Definition of related and neighboring rights | Not provided (PDM does not have accompanying legal code)
NB: CC does not recommend PDM for use with databases that are unrestricted by copyright but are restricted by sui generis database rights |
Yes, an illustrative and non exhaustive list of any and all such rights however characterized is contained in Section 1 of the CC0 legal code, and includes sui generis database rights |
| Person(s) whose rights are affected upon application of tool | None, PDM is not legally operative | Rights of the affirmer only; no effect on the right(s) of third parties |
| Rights affected upon application of tool | None, PDM is not legally operative | All of affirmer’s copyright and related and neighboring rights are unconditionally waived or licensed (where waiver is not effective) |
| Rights that may exist/persist after application | Moral and other related and neighboring rights that persist post-expiration of applicable copyright term (but note, PDM does not attempt to affect those rights) | Moral and other related and neighboring rights of affirmer that are not waivable or licensable
Any and all third party rights |
| Effect on work itself upon application | None, PDM is not legally operative but instead labels a work already free of known copyright and related and neighboring rights through means such as expiration of term of applicable copyright term | Places work as closely as possible in the public domain, worldwide |
