CC0 PDM comparison chart

From Creative Commons
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See the CC0 FAQ and Public Domain Mark FAQ for further information about these public domain tools.

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