Creative Commons Zero (CC0)

Creative Commons Zero (CC0) is a public domain dedication tool that allows artists and creators to waive all their copyright and related rights in a work, essentially placing it in the public domain. This legal instrument enables creators to voluntarily relinquish their rights and offer their works for unrestricted public use, without any copyright restrictions, worldwide.

CC0 is designed to be used where the creator wishes to forgot all the exclusive rights that copyright law grants them, such as the rights to reproduce, distribute, display, and create derivative works. By applying CC0 to their work, creators allow anyone to use, modify, share, and even commercially exploit the work without asking for permission or providing attribution.

The use of CC0 is particularly common in the case of digital content, where creators want to contribute to a pool of freely accessible resources. This can include photographs, written works, data sets, and educational materials. CC0 is a significant tool for fostering collaboration, innovation, and the free exchange of knowledge and creativity.

While CC0 does not affect trademarks, patents, or privacy rights, it does mean that the creator cannot later assert copyright over the work. It's a clear and robust way to make a work as free as possible, contributing to the commons and enabling others to build upon and enjoy the work without legal complexity or constraint.