public domain PD public domain software (PD) The total absence of {copyright} protection. If something is "in the public domain" then anyone can copy it or use it in any way they wish. The author has none of the exclusive rights which apply to a copyright work. The phrase "public domain" is often used incorrectly to refer to {freeware} or {shareware} (software which is copyrighted but is distributed without (advance) payment). Public domain means no copyright -- no exclusive rights. In fact the phrase "public domain" has no legal status at all in the UK. See also {archive site}, {careware}, {charityware}, {copyleft}, {crippleware}, {guiltware}, {postcardware} and {-ware}. Compare {payware}.