Julkiskäyttö

Julkiskäyttö is a Finnish term that translates to "public use" or "public domain" in English. It refers to the use of something for the benefit or enjoyment of the general public, rather than for private purposes. This concept is most commonly applied to intellectual property, such as creative works and inventions.

When a work is in the public domain, it means that copyright or patent protection has expired, been forfeited, or never existed. This allows anyone to use, reproduce, adapt, or distribute the work freely without needing permission or paying royalties. Examples of public domain works include older literary classics, historical documents, and certain government publications.

In a broader sense, julkiskäyttö can also describe the availability of public spaces and services. This includes parks, libraries, museums, and public transportation, which are intended for the use and benefit of everyone in the community. The principle behind julkiskäyttö is to ensure that certain resources and creations are accessible to all, fostering cultural enrichment, knowledge sharing, and general societal well-being. It stands in contrast to private property or exclusive rights, emphasizing collective access and benefit.