Types of Creative Commons Licenses

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 146 views

Introduction

Creative Commons (CC) licenses are a type of copyright license that allows creators to share their work while still maintaining some control over how it is used. With so many different types of CC licenses available, it can be difficult to understand the nuances of each one. In this article, we will explore the No Derivative Works license and what it means for creators and users.

What is a Creative Commons License?

A Creative Commons license is a type of copyright license that allows creators to share their work while still maintaining some control over how it is used. CC licenses are designed to be more flexible than traditional copyright licenses, which can be restrictive and limiting. With a CC license, creators can choose to allow others to use their work in certain ways, such as copying, distributing, and displaying it, while still maintaining some control over how it is used.

Types of Creative Commons Licenses

There are several different types of CC licenses, each with its own set of permissions and restrictions. The most common types of CC licenses are:

No Derivative Works: This license allows others to copy, distribute, and display the work, but prohibits them from creating derivative works.
ShareAlike: This license allows others to copy, distribute, and display the work, and also allows them to create derivative works, but requires that any derivative works be licensed under the same terms.
NonCommercial: This license allows others to copy, distribute, and display the work, but prohibits them from using it for commercial purposes.
Attribution: This license allows others to copy, distribute, and display the work, and also requires that they attribute the original creator.

No Derivative Works License

The No Derivative Works license is a type of CC license that prohibits others from creating derivative works. This means that others can copy, distribute, and display the work, but they cannot modify it or create new works based on it.

Which of the following accurately describes a piece of work that contains a Creative Commons: No Derivative Works license?

A. It can be copied, distributed, and displayed as long as the author is credited. B. It can be copied, distributed, and displayed

The correct answer is B. It can be copied, distributed, and displayed. This is because the No Derivative Works license allows others to copy, distribute, and display the work, but prohibits them from creating derivative works.

Example of a No Derivative Works License

Let's say that an artist creates a painting and licenses it under a No Derivative Works license. This means that others can copy, distribute, and display the painting, but they cannot modify it or create new works based on it. For example, they cannot create a print of the painting with a different color scheme or add their own signature to the painting.

Benefits of a No Derivative Works License

There are several benefits to using a No Derivative Works license. These include:

Control over how the work is used: By prohibiting others from creating derivative works, creators can maintain control over how their work is used.
Protection of intellectual property: A No Derivative Works license can help protect a creator's intellectual property by preventing others from modifying or building upon their work.
Flexibility: A No Derivative Works license can be used in a variety of contexts, such as in the arts, education, and business.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a Creative Commons: No Derivative Works license is a type of copyright license that prohibits others from creating derivative works. This means that others can copy, distribute, and display the work, but they cannot modify it or create new works based on it. By understanding the nuances of CC licenses, creators and users can work together to share knowledge and ideas while still maintaining some control over how they are used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a No Derivative Works license and a ShareAlike license?
- A No Derivative Works license prohibits others from creating derivative works, while a ShareAlike license allows others to create derivative works, but requires that any derivative works be licensed under the same terms.
Can I use a No Derivative Works license for commercial purposes?
- No, a No Derivative Works license prohibits others from using the work for commercial purposes.
Can I modify a work that is licensed under a No Derivative Works license?
- No, a No Derivative Works license prohibits others from modifying the work or creating new works based on it.

References

Creative Commons. (n.d.). About Creative Commons. Retrieved from https://creativecommons.org/about/
Creative Commons. (n.d.). Types of Licenses. Retrieved from https://creativecommons.org/licenses/
Creative Commons. (n.d.). No Derivative Works. Retrieved from https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
Creative Commons: No Derivative Works License Q&A =====================================================

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the Creative Commons: No Derivative Works license and what it means for creators and users. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about this type of license.

Q&A

Q: What is the difference between a No Derivative Works license and a ShareAlike license?

A: A No Derivative Works license prohibits others from creating derivative works, while a ShareAlike license allows others to create derivative works, but requires that any derivative works be licensed under the same terms.

Q: Can I use a No Derivative Works license for commercial purposes?

A: No, a No Derivative Works license prohibits others from using the work for commercial purposes.

Q: Can I modify a work that is licensed under a No Derivative Works license?

A: No, a No Derivative Works license prohibits others from modifying the work or creating new works based on it.

Q: Can I use a No Derivative Works license for a work that is not a creative work?

A: Yes, a No Derivative Works license can be used for any type of work, not just creative works.

Q: Can I license a work under a No Derivative Works license and then change my mind later?

A: Yes, you can license a work under a No Derivative Works license and then change your mind later by re-licensing the work under a different Creative Commons license.

Q: Can I use a No Derivative Works license for a work that is already copyrighted?

A: Yes, you can license a work that is already copyrighted under a No Derivative Works license, but you will need to obtain permission from the original copyright holder.

Q: Can I use a No Derivative Works license for a work that is in the public domain?

A: Yes, you can license a work that is in the public domain under a No Derivative Works license, but you will need to obtain permission from the original copyright holder.

Q: Can I use a No Derivative Works license for a work that is a derivative work of another work?

A: No, a No Derivative Works license cannot be used for a work that is a derivative work of another work, as this would be a contradiction of the license terms.

Q: Can I use a No Derivative Works license for a work that is a collective work?

A: Yes, a No Derivative Works license can be used for a collective work, but you will need to obtain permission from all of the contributors to the work.

Q: Can I use a No Derivative Works license for a work that is a compilation of other works?

A: Yes, a No Derivative Works license can be used for a compilation of other works, but you will need to obtain permission from the original copyright holders of each work.

Q: Can I use a No Derivative Works license for a work that is a database?

A: Yes, a No Derivative Works license can be used for a database, but you will need to obtain permission from the original copyright holders of each work.

Q: Can I use a No Derivative Works license for a work that is a software program?

A: Yes, a No Derivative Works license can be used for a software program, but you will need to obtain permission from the original copyright holders of each work.

Q: Can I use a No Derivative Works license for a work that is a multimedia work?

A: Yes, a No Derivative Works license can be used for a multimedia work, but you will need to obtain permission from the original copyright holders of each work.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a No Derivative Works license and a ShareAlike license?
- A No Derivative Works license prohibits others from creating derivative works, while a ShareAlike license allows others to create derivative works, but requires that any derivative works be licensed under the same terms.
Can I use a No Derivative Works license for commercial purposes?
- No, a No Derivative Works license prohibits others from using the work for commercial purposes.
Can I modify a work that is licensed under a No Derivative Works license?
- No, a No Derivative Works license prohibits others from modifying the work or creating new works based on it.

References

Creative Commons. (n.d.). About Creative Commons. Retrieved from https://creativecommons.org/about/
Creative Commons. (n.d.). Types of Licenses. Retrieved from https://creativecommons.org/licenses/
Creative Commons. (n.d.). No Derivative Works. Retrieved from https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/