What is CC0 (public domain)?

With a CC0 model you can use, modify, sell, print and redistribute it without asking permission and without crediting anyone. Museums often use CC0 when releasing digitised collections. The Smithsonian, the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Virtual Museums of Małopolska all released scans that appear in our museum scans collection.

What CC0 doesn't cover

• Trademarks. A CC0 model of a branded product doesn't give you rights to the brand.
• Other people's rights. CC0 only covers the creator's own copyright. Patents and publicity rights are separate.
• Endorsement. You can't imply the creator or museum endorses you.

Credit anyway

Attribution isn't required, but it's good practice. It helps others find the source and acknowledges the institution's work. Compare CC BY, where attribution is required.

This is general information, not legal advice. Read the licence text at creativecommons.org for the exact terms.