Works created by the Federal government (and some state governments) are not subject to copyright. This applies to works created by employees of the United States government in the course of their duties. Unfortunately, even this seemingly simple idea has a lot of complexity when you start examining it:
- Works produced by contractors or freelancers employed by the government are likely to be copyrighted.
- Works produced by some agencies (eg. the post office) may be subject to copyright.
- Government websites regularly feature art and imagery that were purchased or licensed by the government. Do not assume that because it is on a government website it is not subject to copyright.
- The government can own copyrights that are transferred to it.
- Logos of government agencies might be subject to trademark law even though they are not copyrightable.
- State laws vary. Harvard has a great resource for helping to figure out the relevant laws in each state.
