Public domain refers to creative works that are no longer protected by copyright and can be freely used by anyone.
In India, the legal framework governing public domain is primarily established by the Copyright Act of 1957, which has undergone several amendments to adapt to changing societal and technological landscapes.
This article provides a detailed examination of public domain in India, including key laws, significant court judgments, and their implications.
This colonial legislation remained in force until India's independence, marking a significant period where Indian copyright law was directly influenced by British legal traditions.
The Protection of Traditional Knowledge Bill has been proposed to provide additional safeguards for cultural expressions that may otherwise be considered public domain.