Creative Commons (CC)

Creative Commons (CC) is a globally recognized licensing system that allows creators to release their works for use under specific conditions. The goal is to make creative content more accessible while respecting the rights of the creators. Creative Commons licenses offer flexible options for determining how others can use, share, or modify works. 

The concept is based on supplementing the legal framework of traditional copyright. While copyright automatically protects all usage rights of a work, Creative Commons allows creators to voluntarily share some of those rights. This creates a legal framework for the legitimate reuse of images, texts, music, videos, and other content. 

1. CC BY (Attribution): Users can distribute, modify, and use the work commercially as long as the creator is credited. 
2. CC BY-SA (Attribution-ShareAlike): Modifications are allowed but must be published under the same license terms. 
3. CC BY-ND (Attribution-NoDerivatives): Redistribution is allowed, but no modifications may be made. 
4. CC BY-NC (Attribution-NonCommercial): Works can be used and modified, but only for non-commercial purposes. 
5. CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike): Non-commercial use and modifications are allowed, provided the new works are shared under the same license. 
6. CC BY-NC-ND (Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives): The most restrictive license; only redistribution without modification and for non-commercial purposes is allowed. 

• Cost savings: Companies can use CC-licensed content for free as long as they follow the license terms. 
• Legal clarity: The licenses provide transparency by setting clear guidelines for usage. 
• Flexibility: Content can be more easily integrated into marketing campaigns. 

A marketing team uses a CC BY-NC licensed image for a social media campaign. They properly credit the creator and use the image solely for non-commercial purposes. 

Creative Commons offers an easy way to share and use content without the legal risks of copyright infringement. In content marketing, it simplifies working with freely available materials and encourages creative collaboration.