Hello, Following a deletion debate on Commons [1], we are left with the problem whether or not Public domain images that are under other restrictions, such as coats of arms, are allowed under the Foundation Licensing policy. If I quote Erik Moeller, from another thread [2] on the mailing list:
'[...]the licensing policy has been specifically formulated to avoid that problem. It requires content to be under a Free Content License, which is defined as "a license which meets the terms of the Definition of Free Cultural Works _specific to licenses_".[...]'
However, since we are talking about public domain, this does not apply for this image, since public domain is not a license. This means that another section of the resolution applies:
'[...] or which is otherwise free as recognized by the 'Definition of Free Cultural Works' as referenced above.'
Which is not the case, this specific image is under more restrictions; see the deletion debate for details. Is this analysis correct? Or should we just treat public domain as a "free content license"?
Bryan (cc'd to commons-l)
[1] http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:SilaTonga.svg [2] http://lists.wikimedia.org/pipermail/foundation-l/2007-April/029468.html