Utilizing CC Licensed Works

Remixes, Adaptations & Derivative Works

An adaptation or remix mixes material from different sources to create something new. In a remix you often cannot tell where one work ends and another begins. Attribution for all sources "remixed" are provided at the end of the new work. The remixed material is sufficiently original to be protected by copyright. In some parts of the world a remix/adaptation is known as a derivative work. 

For an adaptation to be protected by copyright most national laws require that original expression be added to the pre-existing work. Originality can differ depending on jurisdiction. In a Civil Law Jurisdiction (such as Germany and France) works are required to contain an imprint of the adapter's personality. Common Law Jurisdictions (such as the U.S. or Canada) tend to have a lower requirement for originality, requiring a minimal level of creativity and "independent conception."

In the above image a photograph with a CC BY 2.0 License and a poem that is in the public domain have been combined and altered to create a new derivative work that is licensed as CC BY-NC 4.0.  The rights statement provides the source of the original content and its copyright or CC License permissions. 

CC License Compatibility

When creating a remix, adaptation, or derivative you have to have CC License compatibility. For example, works licensed as NonDerivative (ND). You could remix a work using items with ND licenses but you could not share that work with anyone, because the original license prohibits a derivative. 

The License Compatibility Chart below shows which CC Licenses can be remixed. 

If you make an adaptation of material under a CC License, the original CC License always applies to the material you are adapting even once adapted. The license you may choose for your own contribution depends on which license applies to the original material. Recipients of the adaptation must comply with both the CC License on the original and the license you choose as the adapter.

For more information on combining materials under different Creative Commons license, visit the Creative Commons website FAQ page.  (Links open in a new window)

Sources: (Links open in a new window)

This information has been adapted from "Unit 4.4: Remixing CC-Licensed Work" in Creative Commons Certificate for Educators, Academic Librarians, and GLAM by Creative Commons and is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

"What is an adaptation," and "Combining and adapting CC material," all by Creative Commons and are licensed under CC BY 4.0