Creative Commons FAQ

Answers to your most common questions about Creativecommons.

Quick, simple, and helpful information at a glance.

What is Creative Commons?
Creative Commons is a non-profit organization that provides free and easy-to-use copyright licenses for content creators to share their work while still retaining some rights.
Why am I receiving an error message when trying to download or use a Creative Commons licensed work?
The error message may be caused by a few reasons, such as incorrect attribution, expired license, or lack of permission from the creator. Please carefully check the license terms and contact the creator for clarification if necessary.
What does the Creative Commons license allow me to do with a work?
The specific permissions and restrictions of each Creative Commons license may vary, but in general, they allow you to use, share, and adapt the work as long as you give proper credit to the creator.
Can I use a Creative Commons licensed work for commercial purposes?
It depends on the specific license chosen by the creator. Some licenses allow for commercial use, while others may not. Be sure to check the license terms before using the work for commercial purposes.
How do I give proper attribution to a Creative Commons licensed work?
The creator's name, the title of the work, and the specific CC license used should be mentioned when attributing a Creative Commons licensed work. If possible, include a link to the original work as well.
What happens if I use a Creative Commons licensed work without proper attribution?
Using a Creative Commons licensed work without properly attributing it is a violation of the license terms and can result in copyright infringement.
Can I modify or adapt a Creative Commons licensed work?
Depending on the specific license chosen by the creator, you may be able to modify or adapt the work as long as you adhere to the conditions of the license.
How can I search for Creative Commons licensed works?
You can use the Creative Commons search portal or add "CC" to your keyword search when using a search engine. You can also filter your results by license type when searching on certain websites.
How can I share my own work using a Creative Commons license?
You can choose and apply a Creative Commons license to your work by using the CC license chooser tool, which will generate the appropriate HTML code for you to include with your work.
Do I have to register or pay for a Creative Commons license?
No, Creative Commons licenses are free to use and do not require registration or payment.
What happens if a Creative Commons license is no longer valid?
If a Creative Commons license is no longer valid for a work, it may revert back to traditional copyright laws. However, if the work has already been shared and used under the CC license, those uses are still valid.
Can I change the Creative Commons license on my work?
Yes, you can change the Creative Commons license on your work at any time. However, any previous uses of the work under the previous CC license are still valid.
What should I do if I believe a work is using a Creative Commons license incorrectly?
If you believe a work is using a Creative Commons license incorrectly, you can report it to Creative Commons for further investigation.
How can I get permission to use a Creative Commons-licensed work for something not covered by the license?
If a Creative Commons-licensed work does not cover your intended use, you can contact the creator directly to request permission for your specific use case.
What happens if I use a Creative Commons-licensed work in my project that is later deemed to be illegal?
Using a Creative Commons-licensed work in an illegal project is a violation of the license terms. You may face legal consequences for this violation.
Can I use Creative Commons-licensed works in my academic or scholarly research?
Yes, you can use Creative Commons-licensed works in your academic or scholarly research as long as you follow the terms of the license and properly attribute the work.
What should I do if I find a Creative Commons-licensed work that contains mature or inappropriate content?
If you find a Creative Commons-licensed work with inappropriate or mature content, you can report it to Creative Commons or contact the creator to ask for clarification on the intended use of the work.
How does Creative Commons protect my rights as a creator?
Creative Commons licenses give creators control over how their work is shared and used, while still allowing for a more open sharing culture.
Can I use a Creative Commons-licensed work without giving credit to the creator?
No, giving proper attribution is required when using a Creative Commons-licensed work. It is an essential part of respecting the creator's rights.
Why is it important to understand Creative Commons licenses?
Understanding Creative Commons licenses is important because it allows you to properly use and share creative works while also respecting the rights of the creator.
How can I learn more about Creative Commons and their license options?
You can visit the Creative Commons website and explore their resources and information about their various license options.
Can I use a Creative Commons-licensed work in a public performance, such as a play or concert?
Some Creative Commons licenses may allow for public performances, but it is best to check the specific license terms and possibly contact the creator for clarification.
Can I use Creative Commons-licensed works in my business or organization?
Yes, you can use Creative Commons-licensed works in your business or organization as long as you follow the terms of the license and properly attribute the work.
What should I do if I cannot find a specific Creative Commons license for a work?
If you cannot find a specific Creative Commons license for a work, it may not be licensed under CC. In that case, you should contact the creator for permission to use the work.
Can I use a Creative Commons-licensed work for my own commercial purposes?
Depending on the specific license chosen by the creator, you may be able to use a Creative Commons-licensed work for commercial purposes as long as you follow the terms of the license.
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