What does 'Creative Commons' refer to?

Creative Commons refers to a licensing system that allows creators to share their work with certain usage rights. By using a Creative Commons license, authors can specify how their work can be used by others, which often includes the ability to distribute the work for free under certain conditions. This approach encourages collaboration and the sharing of knowledge while still providing some level of control to the creator.

The system is designed to offer a middle ground between full copyright protection and the public domain, making it easier for individuals and organizations to access and use creative materials without the barriers typically associated with traditional copyright laws. Options that suggest exclusivity or restrictions, such as exclusive rights to authors or materials that can only be sold, do not align with the core principles of Creative Commons, which focuses on sharing and accessibility.