Few Terms related to CC - Commons : The Commons refers to resources that are collectively owned. [1] This can include everything from land to software. [2] The process by which the commons are transformed into private property is often termed enclosure . [source : wikipedia ] The public domain (public ownership of creative works) is an intellectual property designation for the range of content that is not owned or controlled by anyone. These materials are "public property", and available for anyone to use freely (the "right to copy" [1] ) for any purpose. The public domain is most often discussed in contrast to works whose use is restricted by copyright . Under modern law, most original works of art, literature, music, etc. are covered by copyright from the time of their creation for a limited period of time (which varies by country). When the copyright expires, the work enters the public domain. The public domain can be defined in contrast to several f