Although all content that satisfies the requirements of copyright has automatic protection granted, that does not mean the work is unusable. As emphasized in the Fair Use section of this guide, copyrighted work can be used as long as it follows certain rules. Open licenses, also known as Creative Commons (CC) licenses, are licenses that promote David Wiley's 5 Rs:

1. Retain - make, own, and control a copy of the resource (e.g., download and keep your own copy)
2. Revise - edit, adapt, and modify your copy of the resource (e.g., translate into another language)
3. Remix - combine your original or revised copy of the resource with other existing material to create something new (e.g., make a mashup)
4. Reuse - use your original, revised, or remixed copy of the resource publicly (e.g., on a website, in a presentation, in a class)
5. Redistribute - share copies of your original, revised, or remixed copy of the resource with others (e.g., post a copy online or give one to a friend)

Open licenses enable collaboration, development, access, and inspiration from your creative works without requiring you to give up the rights (copyright) automatically granted to you for your creation. (BC Campus - Open ED)

An open license lets you retain ownership of your work, while allowing others to use, share, and remix it, without requesting your permission. For most open licenses, all that is required of the users is to attribute you for your work. (BC Campus - Open ED)

If you're interested in licensing your creative content, you have 6 different CC licenses to choose from. You can use the below drop down table to learn about the different protections that each license provides.