The CommonsDB project has designed and validated a prototype interoperable public registry of rights information for public domain and openly licensed works. This prototype is built on a technology stack that integrates International Standard Content Codes (ISCC) codes, rights metadata and verifiable credentials, and makes the aggregated information available through public APIs. The registry enables users to verify the rights status of content from multiple sources.
To support this goal, CommonsDB conducted a two-part feasibility study that defined the system under development, set out its objectives, parameters, and technological approach, and provided a detailed legal analysis with a focus on copyright law. The study also identified the technical, operational, and legal challenges that must be addressed in building the prototype. Download parts one and two of the study.
At the end of the project, the consortium will publish a strategy paper that discusses the prototype and its approach in the wider context of efforts to build an EU copyright infrastructure.
Project goals
- Assess the feasibility of developing a public registry that identifies public domain and openly licensed works using standardised content identifiers
- Develop a working prototype of the public registry
- Boost legal certainty for users
Project partners
- Open Future Foundation, the Netherlands - Coordinator
- Liccium B.V., the NetherlandsThe Institute for Information Law (IViR)., the Netherlands
- Europeana Foundation, the Netherlands
- Wikimedia Sverige, Sweden
Funding information
| Funding stream | Pilot projects and preparatory action (PPPAs) (opens in new window) |
| Contract number | LC-03511895 |
| Funders | |
 |
Key project impact
| Working prototype of the registry | 1 |
| Entities contributing verifiable (signed) information to the registry | 5 |
| Entities contributing verifiable (signed) information to the registry | 5 |