What is the term for information that is not copyrighted and free for public use?

The term for information that is not copyrighted and free for public use is "public domain." When works enter the public domain, they can be used, modified, and distributed by anyone without seeking permission or paying royalties. This applies to a variety of creative works, including books, music, and software that have either never been copyrighted or whose copyright has expired.

In contrast, "open source" typically refers to software for which the source code is made available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute, but it often comes with specific licensing terms that govern how it can be used. "Creative Commons" refers to a set of licenses that allow creators to share their works with specific conditions, meaning that while they promote sharing, the work remains under copyright. "Intellectual property" is a broader term that encompasses various legal rights associated with creations of the mind, and it includes copyright, trademarks, and patents, which are meant to protect creators' rights rather than providing free access.