View source for Commons:Copyright rules by territory/United States

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{{PD-US table|width=500px}}
{{Infobox copyright rules
 |Country = <translate><!--T:1--> the United States</translate>
 |Shortcut = US
 |Flag = Flag of the United States.svg
 |Map = US insular areas.svg
 |Standard = <translate><!--T:2--> Life + 70 years (works published since 1978 or unpublished works)</translate>
 |Photograph = 
 |Anonymous = <translate><!--T:3--> Publish + 95 years / Create + 120 years (whichever is shorter, published since 1978)</translate>
 |Government = <translate><!--T:4--> Federal, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Puerto Rico: public domain<br>Other states: copyrighted</translate>
 |Freedom of panorama = <translate><!--T:202--> For buildings</translate>
 |Year end = <translate><!--T:5--> Yes</translate>
 |Tags = {{tl|PD-USGov}}<br/>{{tl|PD-US-expired}}<br/>{{tl|PD-1996}}
 |Berne date = {{TrDate|1989-03-01}}
 |WTO date = {{TrDate|1995-01-01}}
 |WIPO treaty = 
 |UCC date = {{TrDate|1955-09-16}}
 |URAA date = 
}}
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This page provides an overview of '''copyright rules of the United States''' relevant to uploading works into Wikimedia Commons.

==General rules== <!--T:9-->

<!--T:10-->
*Anything (other than sound recordings) published before January 1, {{Not-PD-US-expired-min-year}} is in the public domain. For a definition of "publication" see e.g. Copyright Office circular 1: Copyright Basics, page 7.<ref name=USCO1/> This modern definition is only valid for 1978 and later, as the 1909 Copyright Act did not explicitly define it, though the concepts were similar.
*Anything published before January 1, 1964 and whose copyright was not renewed is in the public domain (search the [<tvar name="1">https://exhibits.stanford.edu/copyrightrenewals</tvar> Copyright Renewal Database, Stanford University] for books, [<tvar name="2">https://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/cce/firstperiod.html</tvar> The Online Books Page] for magazines). 
*Anything published before January 1, 1978 with no copyright notice ("©", "Copyright" or "Copr.") plus the year of publication (may be omitted in some cases) plus the copyright owner (or pseudonym) is also in the public domain.
*Anything published in or after 1978 but before March 1, 1989 '''with no copyright notice''' is in the public domain unless the work's copyright was registered within 5 years of the work's initial publication.
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*Works which were first published outside the US (and not subsequently republished in the US within 30 days) on or after January 1, {{Not-PD-US-expired-min-year}} may be copyrighted in the US by virtue of the [[COM:URAA|URAA]] (Uruguay Round Agreements Act) even if the work's US copyright previously expired due to a failure to comply with US copyright formalities (copyright renewal and inclusion of a copyright notice.)<ref name=Hirtle/> In general, such works had their US copyright restored if the work was out of copyright in the US due to noncompliance with US formalities but still under copyright in its country of origin on the URAA date. (For most countries, the URAA date is January 1, 1996.) Works first published in the US are not affected by the URAA.
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*The US copyright situation for '''sound recordings''' (including those published before {{Not-PD-US-expired-min-year}}) is a special case. Recordings fixed on or after February 15, 1972 are subject to the same copyright rules as other works. Under the {{w|Music Modernization Act}}, which was signed into law in October 2018, recordings fixed prior to February 15, 1972 are subject to a copyright term that depends on when the recording was first published. 
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*Recordings that were published prior to 1947 are copyrighted for a period of 100 years after first publication. Recordings that were published from 1947 through 1956 are copyrighted for a period of 110 years after first publication. Recordings that were published after 1956 and first fixed prior to February 15, 1972 will enter the public domain on February 15, 2067. These copyright terms for pre-1972 recordings apply regardless of any formalities (copyright notice, registration with the US copyright office, or copyright renewal.)
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*Works created after January 1, 1978 are protected for 70 years after the death of the creator. If the work was a "work for hire", copyright persists for 120 years after creation or 95 years after publication, whichever is shorter.
*Works created before 1978 and first published after or in 1978 are protected for the earlier of 95 years from publication or registration for copyright or 120 years from creation (for anonymous or corporate works) or 70 years after death of the creator for known authors; if it was published in 1978–2001, that copyright is extended to December 31, 2047 if it's shorter. (Thus no works first published with permission of the copyright holder between 1978 and 2001 in the US are out of copyright.)

<!--T:15-->
US copyright law applies in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands, but does not apply in American Samoa. According to the US Copyright Office 17&nbsp;U.S.C.&nbsp;§&nbsp;101 (defining use of the term "United States" in the Copyright Act of 1976): "The 'United States', when used in a geographical sense, comprises the several States, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the organized territories under the jurisdiction of the United States Government."<ref name=USCO17-101/>
Of the organized territories, the United States Copyright Office says that: "US federal copyright law applies in the US Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands but not in American Samoa."<ref name=USCOc38a/>

<!--T:16-->
Full details of US Copyright Law (Title 17) are published by the US Copyright Office.<ref name=USCOT17/>

<!--T:17-->
==Works by the US Government==
A work by the US ''federal'' Government is in the public domain. This applies certainly within the United States; it may, however, not apply in other jurisdictions. See the [http://www.cendi.gov/publications/04-8copyright.html#317 CENDI Copyright FAQ list, 3.1.7], the [https://www.usa.gov/copyright.shtml US Government's own statement] to that effect, but also [http://blog.librarylaw.com/librarylaw/2004/09/copyright_in_go.html this discussion].
[[File:W5 cropped.jpg|thumb|right|Example of public domain work created by [[NASA]], a US federal government agency]]
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*Images on government or government agency websites are not necessarily public domain; always look for copyright notices or similar. Especially the images on the favorite website [<tvar name=apod>http://apod.gsfc.nasa.gov/</tvar> "Astronomy Picture of the Day"] are in most cases '''not''' within the public domain but copyrighted by their individual authors (so please ''do not'' upload images from there to Wikimedia Commons). Images on certain military websites (e.g. [<tvar name=army>https://www.us.army.mil/</tvar> AKO]) frequently are creations of military members in their individual capacities (e.g. soldiers on patrol using their personal cameras). These images may not be in the public domain, but they are very hard to distinguish from works of military photographers, and they rarely contain copyright information. [<tvar name=voa>https://www.voanews.com/</tvar> Voice of America] may sometimes use photos which are copyrighted by agencies like AP and Getty Images. 
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* '''This does not include governments of the individual states.''' The work of most state and local governments are subject to copyright, but there are some [[:Category:PD-USGov license tags (non-federal)|exceptions]].
**More specifically, most works by government agencies in [[Template:PD-CAGov|California]] and [[Template:PD-FLGov|Florida]] are in public domain, except specified agencies as stated.
**Edicts of state and local governments, including judicial opinions, administrative rulings, legislative enactments, public ordinances, and similar official legal documents, are also ineligible for copyright protection as per [[Template:PD-US-GovEdict]], making them in US public domain.
* This does not include government-funded corporations like [[:en:Amtrak|Amtrak]].
* This does not include works of employees of the [[:en:United States Postal Service|USPS]], as exempted in 1976 [https://www.copyright.gov/history/law/clrev_94-1476.pdf]. In particular, the USPS holds exclusive copyright to all US postage stamp designs since 1978 [http://pe.usps.com/Archive/HTML/DMMArchive0106/608.htm#wp1095240] (older US stamps are all considered public domain).
* This also does not include works ''commissioned'' by the US Government, but produced by contractors; in this case, the copyright may have been assigned to the US Government (for instance, the copyright of the official [[:en:Ada programming language|Ada programming language]] manual was assigned to the US Department of Defense).
** To verify that the work was not produced by a contractor, '''check the author's signature'''. If the author has the name of a US government agency next to or below their name, they are ''likely'' not a contractor, and the work is ''likely'' in the public domain.
** A work is likely ''not'' in the public domain if the work is ''only funded'' by a government agency. Also note if the author notes any retained rights to the work, online or elsewhere, and whether the government agency is acting as a ''distributor'', which indicates retained rights.
** '''Government agencies may distribute proprietary software''', or software that does not have source code made available to the public. Lack of source code access is a sure sign that the software was produced by a contractor, and is copyrighted.
** As said above, some software may assign copyright to the "US government". However, if the source code is not made available, the assumption that this makes the software public domain or freely-licensed is dubious. Avoid uploading any screenshots or derivative works of said software.
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* Some US government agencies may work in cooperation with other agencies or corporations; this is in particular the case of NASA, which operates the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in cooperation with Caltech, and operates a number of space projects in cooperation with foreign agencies such as ESA and CNES. Only materials solely produced by NASA are in the public domain. The other agencies may hold copyright on some material, including material published on NASA sites (in these cases there will be copyright notices— please look for them to determine copyright status).
* The government sometimes publishes images with statements about non-copyright restrictions (like the [[Commons:White House photostream|White House photostream]]). This does not affect copyright.
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* Commercial use of some federal images, such as identifying insignia or identification, is prohibited however. Fraudulent use (such as wearing military decorations without authorization) is also banned. However, restrictions of this nature are not within the scope of Commons policy.
* The [[:en:United States Army Institute of Heraldry|United States Army Institute of Heraldry]]—the official custodian of such images has addressed this issue with its Copyright statement, which informs the reader as to how to meet any commercial needs under this statute.

==Edicts of Government== <!--T:22-->

<!--T:23-->
* [[:en:Edict of government|Edicts of government]] are always public domain in whole or in part and applies to such works whether they are federal, state, or local as well as to those of foreign governments. This includes judicial opinions, administrative rulings, legislative enactments (laws, statutes), public ordinances, regulations, and similar official legal documents. In this case, the idea (the edict) and its expression (the text of the edict) are inseparable, as to change the legal text would be to change the law itself. Edicts of government may or may not overlap with works by the US Government.
* Edicts are generally text documents. Official flags, seals, coats of arms, logos, and other intellectual property created as a result of a government edict are not themselves edicts.

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==Copyright tags== <!--T:24-->

</translate><noinclude>{{CRT shortcut|TAG|United States|anchor=no}}
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*{{tl|PD-US}} – US work that is in the public domain in the US for an unspecified reason, but presumably because it was published in the US before {{Not-PD-US-expired-min-year}}.
*{{tl|PD-US-expired}} – published anywhere (or registered with the US Copyright Office) before {{Not-PD-US-expired-min-year}} and public domain in the US (preferred over {{tl|PD-US}}).
*{{tl|PD-1996}} – public domain in its source country on January 1, 1996 and in the United States.
*{{tl|PD-US-not renewed}} – US work published and copyrighted in the United States between {{Not-PD-US-expired-min-year}} and 1963, with its copyright not renewed.
*{{tl|PD-US-no notice}} – US work published in the US between {{Not-PD-US-expired-min-year}} and 1978 but without a copyright notice.
*{{tl|PD-US-no notice advertisement}} – advertisement published in the US between {{Not-PD-US-expired-min-year}} and 1978 in a collective work without a copyright notice specific to the advertisement.
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*{{tl|PD-US-1978-89}} – published in the United States between 1978 and March 1, 1989 but with neither copyright notice nor registration within 5 years.
*{{tl|PD-US-unpublished}} – for works that were never published anywhere before 2003 and whose author died before {{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}-70}} or, if the author's year of death is unknown or inapplicable, were created before {{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}-120}}.
*{{tl|PD-US-record-expired}} – for sound recordings that were first published before January 1, {{Not-PD-US-record-expired-min-year}}.
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*{{tl|PD-Edison Records}} – for public domain sound recordings from Edison Records.
*{{tl|PD-EdictGov}} – for all edicts of government, which are in the public domain in the United States. Edicts are text documents such as laws and executive orders. This license tag should '''not''' be used for official flags, seals, coats of arms, logos, or other intellectual property that are not actual edicts.
*{{tl|PD-US-Codes-and-Standards-as-Statutory-Law}} – for US standards and codes that have become edicts of government when adopted, thereby losing copyright protection.
*{{tl|PD-US-Medical imaging}} - [[:en:Medical imaging|medical imaging]] created in the United States without any particular [[<tvar name="1">m:Wikilegal/Copyright of Medical Imaging</tvar>|originality or creativity to make it copyrightable]].

<!--T:27-->
See also [[#US States and Territories]]

==== US Government agencies ==== <!--T:28-->

<!--T:105-->
{{Shortcut2|COM:USGOV}}
*{{tl|PD-USGov}} – for images created by the US Federal Government that are ineligible for copyright.

=====Judicial Branch===== <!--T:200-->

<!--T:201-->
*{{tl|PD-USGov-Judiciary}} – for federal Court case documents.

=====Legislative Branch===== <!--T:29-->

<!--T:106-->
*{{tl|PD-USGov-Congress}} – for public domain images from the '''United States Congress'''.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-Congress-AOC}} – for public domain images from the [[:en:Architect of the Capitol|Architect of the Capitol]].
**{{tl|PD-USGov-Congress-Speaker}} – for public domain images from the [[:en:Speaker of the United States House of Representatives|Speaker of the United States House of Representatives]].
**{{tl|PD-USGov-GAO}} – for public domain media from the {{w|General Accounting Office}}.
<!--**{{tl|PD-USGov-Congress-Bio}} – for public domain images from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.-->
**See also [[#US Library of Congress public domain collections]]

=====Department of Agriculture===== <!--T:83-->

<!--T:107-->
*{{tl|PD-USGov-USDA}} – for public domain images from the United States '''Department of Agriculture'''.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-USDA-ARS}} – for public domain images from the Agricultural Research Service.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-USDA-FS}} – for public domain images from the Forest Service.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-USDA-NAL}} – for public domain images from the National Agricultural Library.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-USDA-NRCS}} – for public domain images from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-FSA}} – for images from the defunct Farm Security Administration or Office of War Information.

=====Department of Commerce===== <!--T:84-->

<!--T:108-->
*{{tl|PD-USGov-DOC}} – for public domain images from the '''Department of Commerce'''.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-DOC-Census}} – public domain files from the US Census Bureau.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-NIST}} – for public domain images from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-NOAA}} – for public domain images from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
***{{tl|PD-NWS}} – for public domain media from the National Weather Service. ''Note'': Not all images hosted on NWS web servers can be assumed to be public domain. Please use a more specific license if possible.
****{{tl|PD-USGov-NWS-employee}} - for images created by a NWS employee in the course of their official duties.
****{{tl|PD-NWS-third party}} - for images hosted on NWS web servers with an explicit release into the public domain (ex: some contests that required release into public domain as a condition of submission).
**{{tl|PD-US-patent}} – for public domain images released under US patent regulations.

=====Department of Defense===== <!--T:85-->

<!--T:109-->
*{{tl|PD-USGov-Military}} – for public domain images from the US military or '''Department of Defense'''.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-Military-Air Force}} – for public domain images from the US Air Force.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-Military-Air National Guard}} – for works of the Air National Guard.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-Military-Army}} – for public domain images from the US Army.
***{{tl|PD-USGov-Military-Army-USACE}} – for public domain images from the US Army Corps of Engineers.
***{{tl|PD-USGov-Military-Army-USACMH}} – for public domain images from the US Army Center for Military History.
***{{tl|PD-USGov-Military-Army-USAIOH}} – for public domain images from the US Army Institute of Heraldry.
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**{{tl|PD-USGov-Military award}} – for public domain images of military medals.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-Military-Badge}} – for public domain images of military badges.
**{{tl|PD-USCG}} – for public domain images from the US Coast Guard.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-Military-DVIC}} – for media from the Defense Visual Information Center.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-Military-Marines}} – for public domain images from the US Marine Corps.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-Military-MDA}} – for public domain images from the Missile Defense Agency.
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**{{tl|PD-USGov-Military-Navy}} – for public domain images from the US Navy.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-Military-National Guard}} – for public domain images from the US National Guard.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-Military-NGA}} – for public domain data and images from the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-NRO}} – for public domain images from the National Reconnaissance Office.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-NSA}} – for public domain images from the National Security Agency.
**{{tl|PD-WSMRM}} – for images from the [http://www.wsmr-history.org/ White Sands Missile Range Museum website].

=====Department of Education===== <!--T:88-->

<!--T:110-->
*{{tl|PD-USGov-ED}} – for public domain images from the '''Department of Education'''.

=====Department of Energy===== <!--T:111-->

<!--T:112-->
*{{tl|PD-USGov-DOE}} – for public domain images from the '''Department of Energy'''.
**{{tl|PD-LosAlamos}} – for DOE public domain images from the Los Alamos National Laboratory.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-ARM}} – for public domain images from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program.

=====Department of Health and Human Services===== <!--T:113-->

<!--T:114-->
*{{tl|PD-USGov-HHS}} – for public domain images from the '''Department of Health and Human Services'''.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-HHS-CDC}} – for public domain images from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
***{{tl|PD-USGov-HHS-NIOSH}} – for public domain images from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
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**{{tl|PD-USGov-FDA}} – for public domain images from the Food and Drug Administration.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-HHS-NIH}} or {{tl|PD-USGov-NIH}} – for public domain media from the National Institutes of Health.
***{{tl|PD-USGov-NIH-NIAID}} – for public domain images from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
****{{tl|PD-USGov-NIH-NIAID-Videos}} – for public domain images from a list of public domain videos of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
***{{tl|PD-USGov-NCBI-scienceprimer}} – for public domain images from the National Center for Biotechnology Information's Science Primer.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-PHS}} – for public domain images from the United States Public Health Service.
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=====Department of Homeland Security===== <!--T:90-->

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*{{tl|PD-USGov-DHS}} – for public domain images from the '''Department of Homeland Security'''.
**{{tl|PD-USCG}} – for public domain images from the US Coast Guard.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-FEMA}} – for public domain images from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

=====Department of Housing and Urban Development===== <!--T:116-->

<!--T:117-->
*{{tl|PD-USGov-HUD}} – for public domain images from the '''Department of Housing and Urban Development'''.

=====Department of the Interior===== <!--T:118-->

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*{{tl|PD-USGov-Interior}} – for public domain images from the '''Department of the Interior'''.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-BLM}} – for public domain images from the Bureau of Land Management.
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**{{tl|PD-USGov-Interior-BOEMRE}} – for public domain images from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-FWS}} – for public domain images from the [[w:United States Fish and Wildlife Service|Fish and Wildlife Service]].
**{{tl|PD-USGov-USGS}} – for public domain images from the United States Geological Survey.
***{{tl|PD-USGov-Interior-USGS-Minerals}} – for public domain images from the USGS Minerals in Your World project.
***{{tl|PD-USGov-Interior-USGS-NBII}} – for public domain images from the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) Digital Image Library.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-Interior-HABS}} – for public domain images from the Historic American Buildings Survey.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-Interior-MMS}} – for public domain images from the Minerals Management Service.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-NPS}} - for public domain images from the National Park Service.
***{{tl|PD-USGov-NPS-HAER}} - National Park Service - Historic American Engineering Record. 
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**{{tl|PD-USGov-Interior-USBR}} – for public domain images from the Bureau of Reclamation.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-Atlas}} – for public domain images from the National Atlas of the United States.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-AVO}} – for images from web cameras operated by the Alaska Volcano Observatory.

=====Department of Justice===== <!--T:92-->

<!--T:120-->
*{{tl|PD-USGov-DOJ}} – for public domain images from the '''Department of Justice'''.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-DEA}} – for public domain images from the [[:en:Drug Enforcement Administration|Drug Enforcement Administration]].
**{{tl|PD-USGov-FBI}} – for public domain images from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

=====Department of Labor===== <!--T:93-->

<!--T:121-->
*{{tl|PD-USGov-DOL}} – for public domain images from the '''Department of Labor'''.

=====Department of State===== <!--T:122-->

<!--T:123-->
*{{tl|PD-USGov-DOS}} – for public domain images from the '''Department of State'''.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-USIA}} – for public domain images from the now-defunct United States Information Agency.

=====Department of Transportation===== <!--T:124-->

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*{{tl|PD-USGov-DOT}} – for public domain images from the '''Department of Transportation'''.
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**{{tl|PD-USGov-MUTCD}} – for images taken from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-FAA}} – for public domain images from Federal Aviation Administration.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-NTSB}} – for public domain images from the National Transportation Safety Board.

=====Department of the Treasury===== <!--T:94-->

<!--T:127-->
*{{tl|PD-USGov-Treasury}} – for public domain images from the '''Department of the Treasury'''.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-money}} – for images of the official currency of the United States that are ineligible for copyright.

=====Department of Veterans Affairs===== <!--T:128-->

<!--T:129-->
*{{tl|PD-USGov-DVA}} – for public domain images from the '''Department of Veteran Affairs'''.

=====Independent agencies===== <!--T:95-->

<!--T:130-->
*{{tl|PD-USGov-BBG}} – for public domain images created by '''Broadcasting Board of Governors'''.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-VOA}} – for public domain images from the ''Voice of America'' [http://www.voanews.com/].
*{{tl|PD-USGov-CIA}} – for public domain media from the '''Central Intelligence Agency'''.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-CIA-WF}} – for public domain images from the Central Intelligence Agency's World Factbook.
*{{tl|PD-USGov-EPA}} – for public domain images from the '''Environmental Protection Agency'''.
*{{tl|PD-USGov-Federal Reserve}} – for public domain images from the '''Federal Reserve Board of Governors'''.
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*{{tl|PD-USGov-NASA}} – for public domain images from '''NASA'''.
**{{tl|PD-WorldWind}} – for public domain images taken with NASA's [[World Wind]]
**{{tl|PD-USGov-NASA-SRTM}} – data from http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/srtm/. '''Note''', this is not a copyright tag, but simply a source information tag
**{{tlx|1=PD-USGov-NASA-AP|2=mission=''mission''|3=roll=''roll''|4=frame=''frame''}} – data from http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/. Parameters are photography code. '''Note:''' unlike the following tag, this is not a copyright tag, but simply a source information tag.
**{{tl|PD-USGov-NASA-AP}} – for US Astronauts' Photographs.
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*{{tl|PD-USGov-NSF}} – for public domain images from the '''National Science Foundation'''.
*{{tl|PD-USGov-ODNI}} - for public domain images from the '''Office of the Director of National Intelligence'''.
*{{tl|PD-USGov-PC}} – for public domain images from the '''Peace Corps'''.
*{{tl|PD-USGov-POTUS}} – for public domain images from the '''Executive Office of the President''' of the United States.
*{{tl|PD-USGov-SI}} – for public domain images from the '''Smithsonian Institution'''
*{{tl|PD-USGov-USAID}} – for public domain images from '''USAID'''.
*{{tl|PD-USGov-USTR}} – for public domain images from the '''Office of the United States Trade Representative'''.
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*{{tl|PD-USGov-WPA}} – for public domain images from the defunct '''Works Progress Administration'''.
*{{tl|PD-USGov-TVA}} – for public domain images from the '''Tennessee Valley Authority'''.
*{{tl|PD-USGov-Award}} – for an image of an award or decoration of an agency of the federal government of the United States.

==== US Library of Congress public domain collections ==== <!--T:30-->

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{{Comseealso|Commons:Library of Congress}}
*{{tl|PD-LOC-911}} – for the 250 images from the Collection of unattributed photographs of the September 11th terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, New York City.
*{{tl|PD-Abdul Hamid}} – for images from the Abdul-Hamid II Collection.
*{{tl|PD-Bain}} – for images from the George Grantham Bain Collection.
*{{tl|PD-Brady-Handy}} – for images from the Brady-Handy Collection.
*{{tl|PD-Carpenter}} – for images from the Carpenter Collection.
*{{tl|PD-CQ Roll Call}} – for public domain photos from the CQ Roll Call Photograph Collection.
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<!--T:99-->
*{{tl|PD-Curtis}} – for images from the Edward S. Curtis Collection.
*{{tl|PD-Detroit}} – for images from the Detroit Publishing Company Collection.
*{{tl|PD-Frissell}} – for images from the Toni Frissell Collection.
*{{tl|PD-Gotfryd}} – for images from the Bernard Gotfryd Collection.
*{{tl|PD-Gottlieb}} – for images from the William P. Gottlieb Collection.
*{{tl|PD-Gottscho}} – for images from the Gottscho-Schleisner Collection.
</translate>
<translate>
<!--T:100-->
*{{tl|PD-Harris-Ewing}} – for images from the Harris & Ewing Collection.
*{{tl|PD-Highsmith}} – for images from the Carol Highsmith Collection.
*{{tl|PD-Johnston}} – for images from the Frances Benjamin Johnston Collection.
*{{tl|PD-Korab}} – for images from the Balthazar Korab Collection.
</translate>
<translate>
<!--T:101-->
*{{tl|PD-Look}} for images from the [<tvar name="1">http://rs6.loc.gov/ammem/awhhtml/awpnp6/look_coll.html</tvar> LOOK Magazine] Photograph Collection
*{{tl|PD-Matson}} – for images from the G. Eric and Edith Matson Photograph Collection.
*{{tl|PD-National Photo Company}} – for public domain images from the National Photo Company Collection.
*{{tl|PD-NCLC}} for works from the National Child Labor Committee collection
</translate>
<translate>
<!--T:102-->
*{{tl|PD-NYWT&S}} – for public domain images from the New York World-Telegram and the Sun Newspaper Photograph Collection.
*{{tl|PD-USNWR}} – for public domain images from the US News & World Report Collection.
*{{tl|PD-Underwood}} – for public domain images by Underwood & Underwood in the general Library of Congress catalog
*{{tl|PD-Van Vechten}} – for images from the Carl Van Vechten Collection.
*{{tl|PD-VAR}} – for images from the [<tvar name="1">http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/var/</tvar> Theatrical Poster Collection]

==== US States ==== <!--T:32-->
</translate>
{{anchor|US States and Territories}}
<translate>
<!--T:33-->
*''See also [[:en:WP:PDOMG|public domain status of official US government works]] and [[:en:Copyright status of works by subnational governments of the United States|Copyright status of works by US subnational governments]]''

<!--T:34-->
*{{tl|PD-CAGov}} – for images created by the State of California.
*{{tl|PD-FLGov}} – for images created by the Government of the US State of Florida that are ineligible for copyright.
*{{tl|PD-MAGov}} – for works created by the State of Massachusetts.
*{{tl|PD-MGS}} – for maps and reports created by the Minnesota Geological Survey and released to the public domain; attribution is requested.
*{{tl|Iowa General Assembly official portrait permission}} – for official portraits of Iowa state legislators. 
*{{tl|PD-WSRC}} – for images created by the [[:en:Washington State Redistricting Commission|Washington State Redistricting Commission]] and released to the public domain; attribution is requested.
*{{tl|PD-OK-LSBPD}} – for images created by the State of Oklahoma’s Legislative Service Bureau, Photo Division
*{{tl|PD-MEGov}} - for information developed by the network manager for InforME and public information made available through InforME
*{{tl|PD-Auburn}} - for files made by the government of the City of Auburn, Alabama.

==== US Territories ==== <!--T:195-->

<!--T:35-->
*{{tl|PD-PRGov}} – for images created by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
*{{tl|PD-USGov-Unincorporated}} – used for work created by governments of "[[W:Unorganized territories]]" (excluding [[American Samoa]]), because they are considered part of the US Federal Government) and hence their works are ineligible for copyright.<ref>Compendium II: Copyright Office Practices, § [http://ipmall.info/hosted_resources/CopyrightCompendium/chapter_1100.asp 1102.08(b)]</ref><ref name="206.02e">[[W:Compendium II: Copyright Office Practices]], § [http://ipmall.info/hosted_resources/CopyrightCompendium/chapter_0200.asp 206.02(e)]</ref>
Work of Organized Territories has less clear status; the first link in [[#US States|this section]] shows strong evidence that Puerto Rico's works are in the public domain, while the second link prevaricates. Flags and coats of arms seem to follow the same laws as the US<ref name="LexJuris (Leyes y Jurisprudencia) de Puerto Rico">{{cite web | title=Ley Núm. 70 de 2006 -Ley para disponer la oficialidad de la bandera y el escudo de los setenta y ocho (78) municipios. | website=LexJuris (Leyes y Jurisprudencia) de Puerto Rico | url=http://www.lexjuris.com/LEXLEX/Leyes2006/lexl2006070.htm | language=es | access-date=24 September 2020}}</ref>

==== American Samoa ==== <!--T:196-->

<!--T:197-->
*{{tl|PD-American Samoa}} — used for works made in American Samoa so long as the work has not been copyrighted elsewhere in the United States. {{comsee|Commons:Copyright rules by territory/American Samoa}}
</translate>

<noinclude>{{cat see also|License tags of the United States}}</noinclude>

<translate>
==Miscellaneous== <!--T:36-->

</translate>{{anchor|CUR}}<translate>

===Currency=== <!--T:37-->

</translate><noinclude>{{CRT shortcut|CUR|United States|anchor=no}}
</noinclude><translate>
<!--T:38-->
;Coins
{{Ok|OK for some but not all}}

<!--T:39-->
Many but not all coins or bills produced by the United States Mint are in the public domain as works of the Federal Government. Some were designed by third parties who assigned rights to the Mint. These are typically commemorative coins for special occasions and the copyright is described in their marketing materials; another example is the obverse of the golden dollar.[<tvar name="1">http://www.usmint.gov/consumer/?action=busguide&sub=Altered</tvar>] The status of each coin or bill should be assessed individually. Please see {{pg|Commons:Determining if U.S. coins are free to use}} for help in determining the copyright status of US coinage. 

<!--T:40-->
* [<tvar name="1">https://www.usmint.gov/news/consumer-alerts/business-guidelines/business-faqs/dos-donts-businesses-and-replicas</tvar> USMint.gov: Dos and Don’ts for Businesses Interested in Creating, Advertising, and Selling Replicas of US Coins]

<!--T:41-->
;Banknotes
{{OkMark}}

<!--T:42-->
"Color illustrations" of banknotes appear to be permitted if they respect the following conditions (from [<tvar name="1">https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/504</tvar> 18 US Code § 504] and [<tvar name="2">https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/31/411.1</tvar> 31 CFR § 411.1]):
* ''the illustration is of a size less than three-fourths or more than one and one-half, in linear dimension, of each part of the item illustrated;''
* ''the illustration is one-sided; and''
* ''all negatives, plates, positives, digitized storage medium, graphic files, magnetic medium, optical storage devices and any other thing used in the making of the illustration that contain an image of the illustration or any part thereof are destroyed and/or deleted or erased after their final use.''

<!--T:44-->
* [<tvar name="1">https://www.uscurrency.gov/currency-image-use?utm_source=central-bank-site&utm_medium=central-bank&utm_term=image-use&utm_content=text-link&utm_campaign=Central-bank</tvar> uscurrency.gov &ndash; Currency Image Use]

<!--T:45-->
Please use {{tl|PD-USGov-money}} for relevant US currency images.
</translate>

{{comseealso|:Category:United States currency-related deletion requests}}
<translate>
===De minimis=== <!--T:46-->
</translate>
<noinclude>{{CRT shortcut|DM|United States}}
</noinclude><translate>
<!--T:47-->
The United States courts interpret the ''de minimis'' defense in three distinct ways:
# Where a technical violation is so trivial that the law will not impose legal consequences;
# Where the extent of copying falls below the threshold of substantial similarity (always a required element of actionable copying); and
# In connection with fair use (not relevant here, since Commons does not allow fair use images).

<!--T:48-->
It is the first of these that is often of particular concern on Commons.

<!--T:163-->
As found in [[s:Ets-Hokin v. Skyy Spirits, Inc.|Ets-Hokin v. Skyy Spirits, Inc.]], a photograph of a bottle is not a derivative work of its label (though in this particular case, the label also happened to be below the [[#Threshold of originality|threshold of originality]]):
{{cquote|1=We need not, however, decide whether the label is copyrightable because Ets-Hokin's product shots are based on the bottle as a whole, not on the label. The whole point of the shots was to capture the bottle in its entirety. The defendants have cited no case holding that a bottle of this nature may be copyrightable, and we are aware of none. Indeed, Skyy's position that photographs of everyday, functional, noncopyrightable objects are subject to analysis as derivative works would deprive both amateur and commercial photographers of their legitimate expectations of copyright protection. Because Ets-Hokin's product shots are shots of the bottle as a whole—a useful article not subject to copyright protection—and not shots merely, or even mainly, of its label, we hold that the bottle does not qualify as a "preexisting work " within the meaning of the Copyright Act. As such, the photos Ets-Hokin took of the bottle cannot be derivative works.}}
</translate>{{anchor|FOP}}<translate>

===Freedom of panorama=== <!--T:49-->

</translate><noinclude>{{CRT shortcut|FOP|US|anchor=no}}
</noinclude><translate>
<!--T:50-->
{{OkMark}} for buildings only {{tlx|FoP-US}}

<!--T:51-->
Buildings are works subject to copyright in the US according to [<tvar name="1">https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#102</tvar> 17 USC 102(a)(8)] since the [<tvar name="2">http://www.djc.com/news/ae/11151054.html</tvar> Architectural Works Copyright Protection Act] was passed in 1990. It applies to all buildings that were ''completed'' after December 1, 1990, even if begun before, or where the plans were published after that date.

<!--T:52-->
However, the US federal copyright law explicitly exempts "pictures, paintings, photographs, or other pictorial representations" of copyrighted buildings from the copyright of the building in [<tvar name="1">https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#120</tvar> 17 USC 120(a)]. Anyone may paint, draw, or photograph buildings from public places. This includes such interior public spaces as lobbies, auditoriums, etc. The creator holds the exclusive copyright to such an image (the architect or owner of the building has no say whatsoever), and may publish the image in any way. 17 USC 120 applies only to architectural works, not to other works of visual art, such as statues or sculptures.

<!--T:53-->
This means that for buildings completed before December 1, 1990, there is complete FoP, without regard to whether the building is visible from a public place, because the building is public domain, except for the plans. For photos of such buildings, the license tag {{tl|PD-US-architecture}} can be used (along with a license tag for the photo.) For buildings completed after December 1, 1990, freedom is given only to photograph such a building. This includes style elements such as gargoyles and pillars, which are protected only from three-dimensional reproduction (''Leicester v. Warner Bros.'').

<!--T:54-->
Note that copyright applies only to "buildings".
::"The term building means structures that are habitable by humans and intended to be both permanent and stationary, such as houses and office buildings, and other permanent and stationary structures designed for human occupancy, including but not limited to churches, museums, gazebos, and garden pavilions."
All such works are copyrighted and, therefore, covered by the FOP exemption only if they are visible from a public place.
::"Bridges, cloverleafs, dams, highways or walkways are not ‘buildings’ under the definition of architectural works."
In the US, such works do not have a copyright and therefore may be photographed freely, whether or not from a public place. For images of such works, {{tlx|PD-structure|USA}} can be used. They do have copyrights in many other countries.

====Originality requirement for architecture==== <!--T:103-->

<!--T:56-->
This discussion must be considered qualified by the requirement under US law that a work, including a derivative work, must display originality to be protectable under copyright law. See ''[[:W:Feist Publications, Inc., v. Rural Telephone Service Co.|Feist Publications, Inc., v. Rural Telephone Service Co.]]'' in the English Wikipedia. More specifically, in the case of derivative works, it has been held, in ''Durham Industries, Inc. v. Tomy Corp.''<ref>630 F.2d 905 (2d Cir, 1980), available at http://www.altlaw.org/v1/cases/551553 and http://cases.justia.com/us-court-of-appeals/F2/630/905/238194/</ref> and earlier in ''L. Batlin & Son, Inc. v. Snyder''.<ref>536 F.2d 486 (2d Cir.) (en banc), available at http://www.altlaw.org/v1/cases/554959 and http://www.coolcopyright.com/cases/fulltext/batlinsnydertext.htm</ref> that a derivative work must be original relative to the underlying work on which it is based. Otherwise, it cannot enjoy copyright protection and copying it will not infringe any copyright of the derivative work itself (although copying it may infringe the copyright, if any, of the underlying work on which the derivative work was based). For further discussion of this issue, see the Wikipedia article [[:w:Derivative work|Derivative work]].

<!--T:57-->
For a legal discussion, see [[:m:Wikilegal/Pictorial Representations Architectural Works|Wikilegal/Pictorial Representations Architectural Works]].

====Artworks and sculptures==== <!--T:58-->

<!--T:176-->
{{notMark}}. {{tlx|NoFoP-US}} (category-only template)

<!--T:159-->
'''Note:''' Please tag United States no-FoP for public art deletion requests: <tvar name="nofopcode"><code><nowiki><noinclude>[[Category:United States FOP cases/pending]]</noinclude></nowiki></code></tvar>

<!--T:59-->
For artworks, even if permanently installed in public places, the US copyright law has ''no'' similar exception, and any publication of an image of a copyrighted artwork thus is subject to the approval of the copyright holder of the artwork. However, public artwork installed before {{Not-PD-US-expired-min-year}} is considered to be public domain, and can be photographed freely. In addition, any public artwork installed {{pg|Commons:Public art and copyrights in the US#Before 1978|before 1978}} without a copyright notice is also in the public domain (unless the copyright owner actively prevented anyone from copying or photographing the work until 1978). In these situations, document the date of installation and the creator (sculptor) of the pictured work as much as possible. (A good resource for finding information about US sculptures is the [https://siris-artinventories.si.edu/ipac20/ipac.jsp?profile=ariall&menu=search&submenu=Keyword Smithsonian Art Inventories Catalog].)

<!--T:60-->
Applicable templates:
* For public artwork installed '''before {{Not-PD-US-expired-min-year}}''', use {{tlx|PD-US}} or {{tlx|PD-US-expired}}.
* For public artwork installed '''between {{Not-PD-US-expired-min-year}} and 1977''' inclusive, use {{tlx|PD-US-no notice}} or {{tlx|PD-US-not renewed}}.

<!--T:61-->
The line of argument that a large sculpture or memorial is a building and therefore covered by the FOP exemption was specifically rejected in Federal claims court (''Gaylord v. The United States'', 2008), which noted that the building exemption to the Architectural Works Copyright Protection Act (AWCPA) does not extend to "The Column" sculpture in the Korean War Veterans Memorial because "[t]he structures used in the definition of 'building' by the Copyright Office are intended to house individuals; either for the sake of providing shelter or for another purpose such as religious services."[http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data2/circs/fedclaim/2008/06539cp.pdf] While the court ruled in favor of the defendant under a fair use rationale it was later overturned in favor of the plaintiff; the photograph was deemed a derivative work. The court also contended that had Congress intended to extend the AWCPA to monuments and memorials, the law would have been drafted to reflect that in the first place.

<!--T:62-->
For further legal discussion, see [[:m:Wikilegal/Copyright of Images of Memorials in the US|Wikilegal/Copyright of Images of Memorials in the US]].

====Examples==== <!--T:177-->

</translate>
<translate><!--T:178--> ''Charging Bull''</translate>
*<translate><!--T:179--> [<tvar name="1">https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/23/arts/arts-briefly-sculptor-files-lawsuit-against-walmart.html</tvar> Arts, Briefly; Sculptor Files Lawsuit Against Wal-Mart] (September 23, 2006 article by ''New York Times'')</translate>
*<translate><!--T:180--> [<tvar name="1">https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-sep-22-fi-wrap22.1-story.html</tvar> Suit Alleges Illegal Use of 'Charging Bull' Image] (September 22, 2006 article by ''Los Angeles Times'')</translate>
*<translate><!--T:181--> [<tvar name="1">https://www.liveauctioneers.com/news/top-news/crime-and-litigation/artist-sues-random-house-in-nyc-over-book-cover/</tvar> Artist sues Random House in NYC over book cover] (August 4, 2009 article by ''Auction Central News'')</translate>

<translate><!--T:182--> ''Cloud Gate''</translate>
*<translate><!--T:183--> [<tvar name="1">https://creativelawcenter.com/kapoor-nra-fair-use/</tvar> Kapoor v. NRA: A Fair Use Analysis] (by ''Creative Law Center'')</translate>

''Graffiti by street artist Revok''
* [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2018/03/16/hms-battle-with-the-artist-revok-shows-how-street-art-is-being-taken-seriously/ H&M's battle with the artist Revok shows how street art is being taken seriously] (March 16, 2018 article by ''The Washington Post'')
* [https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2018/09/06/revok-and-h-m-pledge-donations-detroit-arts-groups/1206836002/ In settlement, Revok and H&M pledge donations to Detroit arts groups] (September 6, 2018 by ''Detroit Free Press'')

<translate><!--T:184--> ''Korean War Veterans Memorial''</translate>
* <translate><!--T:185--> [<tvar name="1">https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/09/20/korea-memorial-sculptor-wins-settlement-in-copyright-case-/2845143/</tvar> Korea memorial sculptor wins copyright case] (September 20, 2013 article by ''USA Today'')</translate>
*<translate><!--T:186--> [<tvar name="1">https://www.copyright.gov/fair-use/summaries/gaylord-us-fedcir2010.pdf</tvar> Gaylord v. United States, 595 F.3d 1364 (Fed. Cir. 2010)] (by ''US Copyright Office'')</translate>
*<translate><!--T:187--> [<tvar name="1">http://www.uscfc.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/opinions/WHEELER.GAYLORD092013.pdf</tvar> FRANK GAYLORD v. UNITED STATES, No. 06-539C] (by ''United States Court of Federal Claims'')</translate>

<translate><!--T:188--> ''Portlandia''</translate>
*<translate><!--T:189--> [<tvar name="1">https://web.archive.org/web/20221127140225/https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-23062-so-sue-us.html</tvar> So Sue Us – Why the Portlandia statue failed to become an icon] (September 9, 2014 article by ''Willamette Week'' archived on November 27, 2022)</translate>

<translate><!--T:190--> ''Statue of Liberty replica, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas''</translate>
*<translate><!--T:191--> [<tvar name="1">https://infusionlawyers.com/the-united-states-v-davidson-copyright-infringement-of-a-replica-statue-of-liberty-copyright-for-creative-copycats/</tvar> The United States v Davidson—Copyright infringement of a Replica Statue of Liberty. Copyright for creative copycats?] (by ''Infusion Lawyers'')</translate>
*<translate><!--T:192--> [<tvar name="1">https://ecf.cofc.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show_public_doc?2013cv0942-136-0</tvar> Judge Eric Bruggink's opinion] (by ''United States Court of Federal Claims'')</translate>

''Three Servicemen'' or ''Three Soldiers''
*[https://www.vvmf.org/About-The-Wall/Three-Serviceman/ THE THREE SERVICEMAN STATUE USE REQUEST] (by Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund)
*[https://apnews.com/article/3075ce9e93bc2b2a5428168eda82031c Unusual Arrangement Gives Royalties to Sculptor of Vietnam Vets Statue] (1987 article by The Associated Press)

<translate>
<!--T:63-->
For further information, refer to {{pg|Commons:Public art and copyrights in the US}} and the following resources:
* [https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#120 17 USC 120(a)]
* [https://scholarship.law.umn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1159&context=faculty_articles Towards a Functional Definition of Publication in Copyright Law]
* [http://photosecrets.com/law Travel Photography and the Law]
* [http://photostop.istep.com/Legal/legal.shtml Information from photostop.istep.com]
* [https://asmp.org/tutorials/photos-public-buildings.html American Society of Media Photography on panorama freedom] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20160731201859/https://asmp.org/tutorials/photos-public-buildings.html archive])
* [http://www.sculpture.org/documents/scmag05/may_05/webspecs/grant.shtml Article in www.sculpture.org on photos of sculptures]

</translate><noinclude>
{{Comseealso|:Category:United States FOP cases}}
</noinclude><translate>

====For foreign works considered under US law: ==== <!--T:64-->

<!--T:193-->
Use {{tl|Not-free-US-FOP}}.

<!--T:65-->
Foreign works from countries that have a relevant freedom of panorama may fall under US law for copyright issues within the US. Under the choice-of-law principle ''[[Commons:Lex loci protectionis|lex loci protectionis]]'', US courts ''might'' apply US freedom of panorama standards in such cases, rather than the standards of the source country. However, in practice, it is unsettled whether and how this approach would be applied in real-world US legal cases involving freedom of panorama elements.

<!--T:66-->
See {{tl|Not-free-US-FOP}} and [[Commons:Requests for comment/Non-US Freedom of Panorama under US copyright law]].

<!--T:198-->
===Algorithmic and AI-created works===
In the United States, copyright can only be assigned to "works independently created by a human author"[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf]. The copyright office has denied copyright registration to creative works "created by artificial intelligence without any creative contribution from a human actor"[https://www.copyright.gov/rulings-filings/review-board/docs/a-recent-entrance-to-paradise.pdf] and states that "The U.S. Copyright Office will refuse to register a claim in a work that is created through the operation of a machine or process without sufficient human interaction, even if the design is randomly generated" [https://www.copyright.gov/comp3/chap900/ch900-visual-art.pdf].

===Stamps=== <!--T:67-->

</translate><noinclude>{{Comseealso|Commons:Stamps}}
</noinclude><translate>

<!--T:69-->
According to [[:en:Title 17 of the United States Code|Title 17]] of the [[:en:United States Code|United States Code]], the copyright status of stamps depends on when they were first issued.
</translate>
;<translate><!--T:68--> Before 1978</translate>
:<translate><!--T:160--> [[<tvar name="pdicon">File:PD-icon.svg|25px|link=</tvar>|Public domain]] In the public domain as a work of the federal government. Use {{tl|PD-USGov}}</translate>
;<translate><!--T:70--> 1978 onward</translate>
:<translate><!--T:71--> [[<tvar name="copricon">File:Red copyright.svg|25px|link=</tvar>|Copyrighted]] Copyrighted by the [[w:United States Postal Service|United States Postal Service]] after 1 January 1978 (the date on which the Copyright Act of 1976 went into effect).<tvar name="uspsref1"><ref>http://about.usps.com/corporate-social-responsibility/stamp-collecting.htm#asc8</ref></tvar> Written permission is needed.<tvar name="uspsref2"><ref>http://about.usps.com/doing-business/rights-permissions/welcome.htm USPS site</ref></tvar></translate>

<noinclude>{{cat see also|Stamps of the United States}}</noinclude>
<translate>

===Threshold of originality=== <!--T:72-->

</translate><noinclude>{{shortcut2|COM:TOO US|COM:TOO United States}}
</noinclude><translate>
<!--T:73-->
These images are {{OK}} to upload to Commons, because they are below the threshold of originality required for copyright protection.</translate>
<gallery>
Frederick Morgan06.jpg|<translate><!--T:169--> ''Bridgeman v Corel'' 36 F. Supp. 2d 191 (S.D.N.Y. 1999): court ruling that 2D photographs of the original art has no valid claims for new copyrights ([[w:Bridgeman Art Library v. Corel Corp.|case description]])</translate>
New Orleans Saints.svg|<translate><!--T:170--> NFL abandoned its copyright claims on the fleur-de-lis ([http://www.legalnewsline.com/news/225330-louisiana-ag-brokers-end-to-who-dat-spat news report])</translate>
Best Western logo.svg|<translate><!--T:171--> Best Western hotels: Consists of letters plus a simple border. None of these is eligible for copyright protection in United States. ([[:File:Best Western Logo.pdf|authority]])</translate>
DUB Magazine Logo.jpg|<translate><!--T:172--> ''DUB'' magazine: Consists of letters only. None of these is eligible for copyright protection in United States. ([https://www.ipmall.info/sites/default/files/hosted_resources/CopyrightAppeals/2008/DUBLOGO_Appeal_080514.pdf authority])</translate>
<translate>
<!--T:74-->
Nikken logo and wordmark.svg|Nikken USA Inc. ([[:File:Nikken logo US Copyright Office decision.pdf|authority]])
JeetKuneDo.svg|Bruce Lee core symbol ([[:File:Bruce Lee Core Symbol US Copyright Office decision.pdf|authority]])
NY Arrows logo.png|New York Arrows logo ([http://openjurist.org/802/f2d/989/john-muller-company-inc-v-new-york-arrows-soccer-team-inc case report])
CarCreditCity.png|Car Credit City logo: Copyright office ruled this logo too simple to be protected, but a slightly more complicated version (shown in the linked letter) was accepted for registration ([https://www.ipmall.info/sites/default/files/hosted_resources/CopyrightAppeals/2006/CCC%20Logo.pdf authority])
D'ni Letters Vs Numerals.svg|Symbols for "Myst" ([https://www.ipmall.info/sites/default/files/hosted_resources/CopyrightAppeals/2004/Mark%20Hendricksen.pdf authority])
Graceland S logo.svg|Letter S ([https://www.ipmall.info/sites/default/files/hosted_resources/CopyrightAppeals/2005/Lara%20Dickey%20Lewis.pdf authority])
I heart my marine.png|([https://www.ipmall.info/sites/default/files/hosted_resources/CopyrightAppeals/2005/Arthur%20Yeager%2005.pdf authority])
Luv Sailor.JPG|Registration was cancelled ([https://www.ipmall.info/sites/default/files/hosted_resources/CopyrightAppeals/2005/Frederick%20Page%2005.pdf authority])
</translate>
<translate>
<!--T:75-->
Jeff Ho logo.png|Registration refused ([https://www.ipmall.info/sites/default/files/hosted_resources/CopyrightAppeals/1997/Daniel%20M.%20Cislo,%20Esq001.pdf authority])
Skyy vodka blue.jpg|[[:s:Ets-Hokin v. Skyy Spirits Inc.|''Ets-Hokin v Skyy Spirits Inc.'']]: Photo is eligible for copyright protection, but not the bottle
Uncle Sam mechanical bank.jpg|A plastic version lacked originality ([http://www.coolcopyright.com/cases/chp2/batlinsnyder.htm L ''Batlin & Son v. Snyder''])
Koosh Ball Wall.jpg|Koosh balls; "inseparable", ''OddzOn Products, Inc. v. Oman'' ([http://openjurist.org/924/f2d/346/oddzon-products-inc-v-oman case report])
Arkansas map by Sean Pecor.png|Map of Arkansas: Addition of shading, colors, labels to a free black and white outline map ([https://web.archive.org/web/20160509002103/http://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/Opinions/Published/061177.P.pdf case report])
</translate>
<translate>
<!--T:76-->
Avenue of the Saints logo.svg|Avenue of the Saints logo; registration refused despite compilation copyright claim for arrangement of otherwise unprotectable elements ([https://www.ipmall.info/sites/default/files/hosted_resources/CopyrightAppeals/2011/McKeeVoorheesSease110728.pdf authority])
Geek Squad logo.svg|Geek Squad logo ([https://www.ipmall.info/sites/default/files/hosted_resources/CopyrightAppeals/2012/Jaworski120413.pdf authority])
Subway restaurant.svg|Subway logo ([[:File:Subway logo US Copyright Office decision.pdf|authority]])
Discover-it.png|Discover It logo: the Copyright Office found that the elements, including the shading effect, were insufficiently creative to be copyright-eligible ([[:File:Discover It Design US Copyright Office decision.pdf|authority]])
Cyberpunk 2077 logo.svg|''Cyberpunk 2077'' logo ([[:wikisource:Cyberpunk 2077 logo (USCO Review Board, 2022)|authority]])
Los Angeles Football Club.svg|Los Angeles FC logo ([https://www.copyright.gov/rulings-filings/review-board/docs/la-wing-design-logos.pdf authority])
Nikon Logo.svg|Nikon logo ([https://www.copyright.gov/rulings-filings/review-board/docs/nikon-brand-logo.pdf authority])
San Francisco Shock (logo).svg|San Francisco Shock logo ([[:File:San Francisco Shock logos US Copyright Office decision.pdf|authority]])
Commvault logo 2019.svg|Commvault Systems hexagon logo ([[:File:Commvault hexagon logo US Copyright Office decision.pdf|authority]])
American Owned American Made Logo.jpg|American Made Logo ([https://www.copyright.gov/rulings-filings/review-board/docs/american-made.pdf authority])
Jamba logo.svg|Jamba Juice logo ([https://www.copyright.gov/rulings-filings/review-board/docs/whirl-design.pdf authority])
File:Oct 31, 1973 (Today Series, Tuesday) On Kawara.png | “Art” by On Kawara
File:One million years.jpg | Book by On Kawara, which consists only of dates.
</gallery>

<!--T:77-->
Despite repeated requests, the US Copyright Office found the [[w:File:Vodafone 2017 logo.svg|Vodafone speechmark]] (shaded version) [https://www.copyright.gov/rulings-filings/review-board/docs/vodafone-speechmark.pdf ineligible for copyright protection]. It cannot, however, be uploaded to Commons because it's a UK logo. Additionally, the US Copyright Office does not consider text effects to be sufficiently unique to render a logo copyrightable, stating that "[https://www.copyright.gov/comp3/chap900/ch900-visual-art.pdf the mere use of text effects (including chalk, popup papercraft, neon, beer glass, spooky-fog, and weathered-and-worn), while potentially separable, is de minimis and not sufficient to support a registration]".

<!--T:78-->
These are {{NotOK}} to upload to Commons (unless published under a free license by the copyright holder), because they are above the threshold of originality required for copyright protection.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190102061605/http://no-solicitors-sign.com/ These two "no soliciting" signs], although arguably relatively simple, have been issued copyright registration numbers by the United States Copyright Office, which means that they have been reviewed and determined to be eligible for copyright protection. It should be noted that the copyright registration applies to the images as a whole, including their borders.
* A [http://web.archive.org/web/20180305012819/https://www.ipmall.info/sites/default/files/hosted_resources/CopyrightAppeals/2006/CCC%20Logo.pdf variant] of [[:File:CarCreditCity.png]] with an extra border.
* [https://www.copyright.gov/rulings-filings/review-board/docs/american-airlines.pdf American Airlines flight symbol] VA0002130520; Copyright Office [https://www.copyright.gov/rulings-filings/review-board/docs/american-airlines-flight-symbol.pdf initially] refused copyright as being just below the threshold, but upon a higher-resolution submission of the artwork, decided that the shading plus the arrangement pushed the logo just above the threshold and granted a registration. ([[Commons:Deletion requests/File:American Airlines logo 2013.svg|DR]])
</translate>
<translate>
<!--T:79-->
* [[w:File:Disney Junior.svg]] (VA0001927957).
* [[w:File:Prince logo.svg]] (VA0000832222).
* The "[https://wayback.archive.org/web/20160305190025/http://www.collenip.com/costcoomega/Omega%20Globe%20Design.JPG Omega Globe Design]" (VAu000574660) was assumed to be copyrightable by the Ninth Circuit US Court of Appeals.<ref>''[[:w:Omega S.A. v. Costco Wholesale Corp.|Omega S.A., v. Costco Wholesale Corp.]]'', 541 F.3d 982, 983.</ref>
* Works from other countries which are above the threshold of originality of the United States but below the threshold of originality of the source country (''[https://www.law.cornell.edu/copyright/cases/780_F2d_189.htm Hasbro Bradley, Inc. v. Sparkle Toys, Inc.]'')
* New [[w:Pan and scan|"pan and scan"]] versions of films where a [[w:Widescreen|widescreen]] film has been resized to fit the size of a TV screen even if the existing widescreen film is uncopyrighted (''Maljack Productions, Inc. v. UAV Corp.'')<ref>{{cite book |title=The Public Domain: How to Find & Use Copyright-Free Writings, Music, Art & More |publisher={{w|Nolo (publisher)|Nolo}} |author=Fishman, Stephen |year=2014 |page=183 |url=//books.google.com/books?id=ay5nAwAAQBAJ&lpg=PA199&dq=&pg=PA183#v=onepage&q&f=false |isbn=1413320287 |accessdate=2014-08-29}}</ref>
</translate>
<translate>
<!--T:80-->
* In 1951, [[:File:Blueboymezz.jpg|this mezzotint]] [<tvar name="1">https://web.archive.org/web/20190217081555/https://coolcopyright.com/contents/chapter-2/alfred-bell-v-catalda-fine-arts</tvar> reproduction] of an [[:File:Thomas Gainsborough - The Blue Boy (1770).jpg|existing uncopyrighted painting]] was found to be copyrightable.
* The clothing designs found on pp. 4–5 of the Sixth Circuit's [http://www.scotusblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/15a0194p-06.pdf decision] in ''Varsity Brands et al. v. Star Athletica'' (2015).
* The PAC 12 shield logo [[:en:File:Pac-12 logo.svg]] (V3617D047).
<gallery>
Android robot.svg|[https://archive.is/cSqCD VA0001789579] (and CC-BY 3.0)
</gallery>
* [[:File:Five-element-cycles.jpg]] ([https://www.gettyimages.de/detail/illustration/five-element-cycles-wu-xing-lizenfreie-illustration/526533067]): The arrangement is under a copyright, according to [[Special:PermanentLink/357754252#Five-element-cycles|WMF Legal]].
* [[w:File:BP Helios logo.svg]] is [[Special:Diff/379284338|eligible for copyright in the US according to WMF legal]], though "[[Commons:Deletion requests/Files in Category:BP logos|not by a lot, but just enough]]". Note that Commons policy on the country of origin requires this logo to be judged by [[Commons:Copyright rules by territory/United Kingdom#Threshold of originality|UK standards]]. The creativity needed for copyright protection in the UK and most other common law countries is much lower; legal only commented on the threshold of originality in the United States.
* [[:File:REMAX hot air balloon logo.svg]]: The logo was [https://www.copyright.gov/rulings-filings/review-board/docs/remax-hot-air-balloon-logo.pdf denied copyright registration] as a trivial simplification of an earlier 1998 logo. However, that does not mean that the work as a whole is uncopyrightable; it is still a derivative work of the original logo, and [[Commons:Deletion requests/File:REMAX hot air balloon logo.svg|DR consensus]] was that unlike [[:File:Mickey Mouse head and ears.svg]], the derivative still had sufficient creative elements to be copyrightable.</translate>
<gallery>
NVIDIA logo.svg|<translate><!--T:199--> [<tvar name="1">https://archive.ph/vbG9I</tvar> VA0001427710] (and Apache License 2.0)</translate>
Twitter-logo.svg|<translate><!--T:173--> [https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?v1=1&ti=1,1&Search_Arg=VA0001950611&Search_Code=REGS&CNT=25&PID=4ilrksKRrZTxG6Vc0oBAkh-tuj9v&SID=1| VA0001950611] (and Apache License 2.0)</translate>
File:PBS_logo_2019.svg| [https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=VA0001310087&Search_Code=REGS&PID=_nB7Juq3zeFk5RVgFDGZNshGTrJb&SEQ=20240922101805&CNT=25&HIST=1 VA0001310087] (but expired by formalities)
File:PBS logo (2002-2019).svg | Another version, ref: [[Commons:Deletion requests/Files in Category:PBS (United_States)|DR1]], [[Commons:Deletion requests/File:PBS Logo.svg|DR2]], [[Commons:Deletion_requests/Files_uploaded_by_SergioCarino|DR3]], [[Special:Permalink/921979391#Files_deleted_by_Taivo|UDR]]
</gallery>
<translate>
<!--T:174-->
<!--
* [[w:File:PBS logo.svg]] and [[w:File:PBS (1984-2019) logo.svg]]: The PBS logo (VA0001310087). Also see [[Commons:Deletion requests/Files in Category:PBS (United_States)|DR1]] and [[Commons:Deletion requests/File:PBS Logo.svg|DR2]]
-->
* Juneteenth flag (on English Wikipedia as [[:en:File:Juneteenth flag.webp]]) (VAu000488555)
* [[w:File:1980 Winter Olympics logo.svg]] (VAu000007988)

<!--T:164-->
;Paintings

<!--T:165-->
{{notOK}} for most paintings.

<!--T:166-->
Even seemingly simple paintings consisting of geometric shapes are often copyrighted due to details that may not be immediately obvious to the viewer.

<!--T:167-->
* Photographic reproductions of paintings by {{w|Mark Rothko}} have been granted registration by the US Copyright Office, so it is reasonable to assume that the original works are also copyrighted.
** ''[https://arthive.com/markrothko/works/336613~No_16_Red_white_and_brown Red, white and brown]'' (VA0000089094)

;Words and short phrases

Below TOO:
* The 15-word sentence "In a society that profits from your self doubt, liking yourself is a rebellious act" was [[:s:Untitled (USCO Review Board, 2022)|denied registration]] by the Copyright Office in 2022.
* The three-sentence and 15-word phrase "Good morning, Detroit. This is J.P. on JR in the A.M. Have a swell day" was deemed uncopyrightable in the 2001 court case ''Murray Hill Publ'ns, Inc. v. ABC Commc'ns, Inc.''
* The 10-word phrase "If You Don't Stand for Something, You'll Fall for Anything" was deemed uncopyrightable in the 1997 case ''[https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/988/289/1455723/ Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. v. Jostens, Inc.]''.
* A 23-word email consisting of "Has anyone had a problem with White, Zuckerman ... cpas including their economist employee Venita McMorris over billing or trying to churn the file?" was deemed uncopyrightable in the 2011 case ''[https://casetext.com/case/stern-v-does Stern v. Does]''.

<!--T:168-->
;Other

<!--T:161-->
Although the threshold of originality for non-graphic works (such as architecture and sound recordings) follow the same standards, such cases can be difficult to determine.

<!--T:162-->
* The [<tvar name=1>https://youtube.com/watch?v=-ihRPi4wcBY</tvar> five-note melody] that typically accompanies Intel's logo was granted copyright protection because it "combined and blended synthesized, digital sounds" and was "refined and mastered with a special spatial enhancer." <tvar name=ref><ref>[https://copyright.gov/rulings-filings/review-board/docs/intel-spiral.pdf]</ref></tvar>
* Anish Kapoor's ''{{w|Cloud Gate}}'' is a relatively simple 3D sculpture that was deemed eligible for copyright (VA0001983425)
*The replica of public domain object ''{{w|Statue of Liberty}}'' in {{w|New York-New York Hotel and Casino}} is deemed eligible for copyright, also the {{w|United States Postal Service}} is being sued for copyright infringement for [http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/artist_sues_us_over_statue_of_liberty_stamp_says_it_depicts_vegas_sculpture famously] (and mistakenly) using this statue instead of the real Statue of Liberty on its Forever stamps. (VAu001149387 and VA0001882070) also see ([[commons:Deletion_requests/Files_in_Category:Statues_of_Liberty_at_New_York-New_York_Hotel_and_Casino|DR1]]) ([[commons:Deletion_requests/Files_in_Category:Liberty_Statue_(New_York,_New_York_hotel)|DR2]])
* Image Ten's 4K restoration of the public domain film ''{{w|Night of the Living Dead}}'' was granted registration in part because of "digitally remastered audio and video", "overall film stabilization", and other editing. (PA0002026041)

===Signatures=== <!--T:152-->

</translate><noinclude>{{shortcut2|COM:SIG US|COM:SIG United States}}
</noinclude><translate>

<!--T:153-->
{{OK}} for a typical signature. In [http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ1.html#wnp Copyright circular Number 1] the US Copyright Office sets out a list of things on which copyright protection cannot be granted, including "''Titles, names, short phrases, and slogans; familiar symbols or designs; and mere variations of typographic ornamentation, lettering, or coloring.''"

<!--T:154-->
The US [http://ipmall.info/hosted_resources/CopyrightCompendium/chapter_0500.asp Copyright Compendium, chapter 503.02(2)] states that copyright will be denied to a character of Chinese calligraphy painted upon horizontally striated grass cloth. It states that "''like typography, calligraphy is not copyrightable as such, notwithstanding the effect achieved by calligraphic brush strokes across a striated surface''". Thus, it appears that calligraphy cannot be protected and, by analogy, signatures.

<!--T:155-->
In [[Commons talk:Licensing/Archive 11#Autographs.2Fsignatures]], there is a reference to [[User:BrokenSphere]] having sent an email to the US Copyright Office, and receiving the reply ''"A signature is not protected by copyright".''

<!--T:156-->
If the signature is sufficiently complex to be considered a protectable artistic work in the US (akin to a non-trivial drawing), it cannot be hosted on Commons regardless of the position under local law unless it has been licensed under a compatible license or would have fallen into the public domain under some other rule (e.g. expiration of copyright).

===Copyright formalities=== <!--T:132-->

<!--T:133-->
Works published in the United States before certain dates require an increasingly stringent level of compliance with copyright formalities in order to remain copyrighted; otherwise, they fall into the public domain. This section attempts to describe these cases in detail.

<!--T:134-->
;Not renewed (before 1964)

<!--T:135-->
In order to conclude that a work is {{tl|PD-US-not-renewed}}, a thorough search of the copyright registry must be performed.

<!--T:136-->
If a work is based on a previously published work which has been renewed, failure to renew copyright in the derivative work would only cause the additional expression present in the derivative work to fall into the public domain, so the derivative work as a whole remains copyrighted. An example is [[w:It's a Wonderful Life#Ownership and copyright issues|It's a Wonderful Life#Ownership and copyright issues]], where the film's copyright failed to be renewed due to a clerical error, but as it was based on a short story called ''[[w:The Greatest Gift|The Greatest Gift]]'' which was properly renewed, the film remains copyrighted. For this specific case, it is generally acceptable to upload individual screenshots of the film since their reliance on the story is minimal, but not video of the film.

<!--T:137-->
;No notice (before 1978)

<!--T:138-->
In order to conclude that a work is {{tl|PD-US-no notice}}, care must be exercised to ensure that the work truly has no copyright notice. In general, finding an image of a two-dimensional work (which would fall under {{tl|PD-scan}} if the original work is public domain) on the Internet with no notice does not prove that it has no notice, as there could be a notice on the original hard copy, such as on a part of the page cropped out of the scan, on the back side of the page, or on a different page if the work came from a book/pamphlet. For memorabilia such as postcards, auction sites such as eBay can be a good resource to find images of the full item on both sides. For public art installed prior to 1978, the mere act of placing it in public view where people can make copies constitutes publication. For a photo of public art, a combination of the photo itself, other photos on the Internet (which need not be freely licensed, so long as there is no reason to doubt their authenticity), and mapping services like Google Street View can be used to establish the lack of a copyright notice. The [https://siris-artinventories.si.edu/ipac20/ipac.jsp?profile=ariall Smithsonian Art Catalog] is a useful resource for finding information about artworks. See [[Commons:Public art and copyrights in the US]] for more details.

<!--T:139-->
The situation can become extremely complicated if a work is distributed via multiple authorized channels, only some of which carry a notice. According to the [[w:Copyright Act of 1909|Copyright Act of 1909]], "Where the copyright proprietor has sought to comply with the provisions of this title with respect to notice, the omission by accident or mistake of the prescribed notice from a particular copy or copies shall not invalidate the copyright or prevent recovery for infringement against any person who, after actual notice of the copyright, begins an undertaking to infringe it, but shall prevent the recovery of damages against an innocent infringer who has been misled by the omission of the notice; and in a suit for infringement no permanent injunction shall be had unless the copyright proprietor shall reimburse to the innocent infringer his reasonable outlay innocently incurred if the court, in its discretion, shall so direct."<ref>[[s:United States Code/Title 17/1976-10-18/Chapter 1/Sections 19 to 21|17 U.S.C. § 21 (1947)]].</ref> The [[s:Index:Compendium of US Copyright Office Practices (1973).pdf|1973 Copyright Compendium]] explains in greater detail:<ref>Copyright Compendium I (1973), [[s:Page:Compendium of US Copyright Office Practices (1973).pdf/141|4-5]] to [[s:Page:Compendium of US Copyright Office Practices (1973).pdf/142|4-6]].</ref></translate>
{{cquote|1=<ol type="a">
<li><translate><!--T:140--> If the Office is informed that the great bulk at the published copies of a work bore an appropriate notice, but that the notice was accidentally omitted from a very few of the published copies, registration may be made. In such cases, if the deposit copies do not bear the notice, copies with the notice will be requested.</translate></li>
<li><translate><!--T:141--> If a considerable number of copies have been published without notice, registration will be denied.</translate></li>
<li><translate><!--T:142--> If the entire first edition of a work was published without notice, registration will be denied even if the first edition consisted of a relatively small number of copies.</translate></li>
</ol>}}
<translate>
<!--T:143-->
As in the renewal case, failure to include a notice on a derivative work does not invalidate the copyright on the original work,<ref>[[s:United States Code/Title 17/1976-10-18/Chapter 1/Sections 6 to 8|17 U.S.C. § 7 (1947)]]</ref> so in such a case neither the original nor the derivative can be uploaded to Commons. However, a fully original portion of the derivative work (if possible to isolate, which is not always the case) would be acceptable.

<!--T:144-->
If there is a notice but it fails to comply with certain constraints, it may fall under {{tl|PD-US-defective notice}}. The most basic requirements are given in the text of the copyright tag, but for more details see the 1973 Copyright Compendium.<ref>Copyright Compendium I (1973), [[s:Page:Compendium of US Copyright Office Practices (1973).pdf/144|4-8]] to [[s:Page:Compendium of US Copyright Office Practices (1973).pdf/181|4-45]].</ref>

<!--T:145-->
;No notice and unregistered (before March 1989)

<!--T:146-->
In order to conclude that a work is {{tl|PD-US-1978-89}}, the requirements of the previous section must be met, and a thorough search of the copyright registry over the next five years must be performed.

<!--T:147-->
Regarding the specific definition of "no notice", the [[s:Index:Compendium of US Copyright Office Practices, II (1984).pdf|1984 Copyright Compendium]] is similar to the 1973 edition:<ref>Copyright Compendium II (1984), [[s:Page:Compendium of US Copyright Office Practices, II (1984).pdf/245|1000-13]].</ref></translate>
{{cquote|1=<u><translate><!--T:148--> Omission of copyright notice</translate></u>. <translate><!--T:149--> Where the notice is omitted from more than a relatively small number of copies or phonorecords distributed by authority of the copyright owner, and registration is being made within five years of the date of publication without notice, the Copyright Office may warn that the law requires, in addition to registration, that a reasonable effort must be made to add the notice to all copies or phonorecords that are distributed to the public in the United States after the omission has been discovered. See 17 U.S.C. 405(a).</translate></br>
<u><translate><!--T:150--> Registration</translate></u>. <translate><!--T:151--> Registration is not possible for works published without notice or with a fatally deficient notice by authority of the copyright owner, if more than five years have elapsed since such publication. There are, however two exceptions to this general rule: 1) where the notice has been omitted from no more than a relatively small number of copies or phonorecords distributed to the public; or 2) where the notice has been omitted in violation of an express requirement in writing that, as a condition of the copyright owner's authorization of the public distribution of copies or phonorecords, they contain the prescribed copyright notice. In these two instances, there is no need for registration to correct the omission. Registration in these cases may be made at any time during the subsistence of the copyright. See 17 U.S.C. 405(a).</translate>}}

<translate><!--T:175--> If there is a notice but it fails to comply with certain constraints, it may fall under {{tl|PD-US-defective notice-1978-89}}. The basic requirements are given in the text of the copyright tag.</translate>

<translate>

== See also ==
* [[Commons:Public art and copyrights in the US]], especially for discussion of what constituted publication of a work of art in the United States before January 1, 1978.

==Citations== <!--T:81-->
</translate>
{{reflist|refs=
<ref name=Hirtle>{{cite web |title=Copyright Term and the Public Domain in the United States
 |last=Hirtle |first=Peter |date=2018-11-06 |url=https://copyright.cornell.edu/publicdomain#Footnote_10 |accessdate=2018-12-10}}</ref> 
<ref name=USCO1>{{cite web |accessdate=2019-03-14|url=https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf
 |publisher=US Copyright Office |title=Circular 1: Copyright Basics}}</ref>
<ref name=USCOT17>{{cite web |url=https://www.copyright.gov/title17/ |title=Copyright Law of the United States ( (Title 17))
 |publisher=US Copyright Office|accessdate=2019-03-14}}</ref>
<ref name=USCO17-101>{{cite web |url=https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html
 |title=Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17) Chapter 1 Subject Matter and Scope of Copyright 101 Definitions
 |publisher=US Copyright Office |accessdate=2019-03-14}}</ref>
<ref name=USCOc38a>{{cite web|url=https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ38a.pdf|accessdate=2019-03-14
 |title=Circular 38a: International Copyright Relations of the United States|page=14|publisher=US Copyright Office}}</ref>
}}

==External links==
*[https://guides.library.cornell.edu/copyright/publicdomain Copyright Term and the Public Domain in the United States] Cornell University Library Copyright Information Center
*[https://cocatalog.loc.gov Copyright Catalog (1978 to present)]
*[https://github.com/GSA/govt-urls USA.gov's list of public government domains and URLs that don't end in .gov or .mil]
<noinclude>
{{CRT list2}}
[[Category:Commons licensing help by country{{#translation:}}|United States]]
[[Category:Copyright rules of the United States]]
</noinclude>{{Commons:CRT disclaimer}}