What is the Public Domain Exclusion?

The public domain exclusion applies to information that is published and that is generally accessible or available to the public through:

  • sales at newsstands and bookstores;
  • subscriptions which are available without restriction to any individual who desires to obtain or purchase the published information;
  • libraries open to the public or from which the public can obtain documents;
  • patents available at any patent office;
  • unlimited distribution at a conference, meeting, seminar, trade show or exhibition, generally accessible to the public, in the United States;
  • public release (i.e., unlimited distribution) in any form (e.g., not necessarily in published form) after approval by the cognizant U.S. government department or agency.

FAQ Page

Subscribe to the UArizona Impact in Action newsletter to receive featured stories and event info to connect you with UArizona's research, innovation, entrepreneurial ventures, and societal impacts.

Subscribe now