Which statement correctly defines a work in the public domain?

• A. A work that is still under copyright.
• B. A work that requires licensing for use.
• C. A work that can be used by anyone for any purpose.
• D. A work that cannot be copied.

Answer: (C)

Public domain means there are no copyright restrictions on a work, so anyone can use it without permission. This includes copying, distributing, adapting, or using the work for any purpose, including commercial ones. The statement that a work can be used by anyone for any purpose best captures that freedom. The other ideas don’t fit because ongoing copyright requires permission or licensing, and a claim that a work cannot be copied would contradict the freedom that comes with public domain. Note that other rights (like trademarks or rights of publicity) may still apply, but copyright itself is not a barrier in public domain.