A registry for Public Domain and openly licensed works

The copyright status of digital content shared online is often unclear, hindering its reuse. To address this, we're building CommonsDB, a public registry for Public Domain and openly licensed works, to bring greater legal certainty to the reuse of digital content.

The registry will use content-derived, decentralized identifiers to ensure persistent recognition of digital content and rights information across formats, thereby providing greater legal certainty for reusing digital content.

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CommonsDB for data providers

CommonsDB will enable data providers to enhance trust in the rights information they provide, improve interoperability, and increase the visibility of their collections. The registry will facilitate efficient management of rights metadata and support innovation by enabling the development of new tools and services that rely on accurate and accessible information about Public Domain and openly licensed works.

CommonsDB for users

CommonsDB will allow end users to confidently identify and use Public Domain and openly licensed works. The registry will provide easy access to reliable information about the copyright status of digital content, fostering trust and transparency. This will empower users to legally reuse and remix works, supporting creativity and innovation. By simplifying the process of verifying copyright information, CommonsDB will make it easier for everyone to engage with and contribute to the digital commons.

To learn more about our plans and progress, explore our Roadmap, which provides a visual overview of the project timeline and key milestones, and consult our Documentation page. To stay updated about CommonsDB, read our blog or subscribe to our newsletter.