Did you know there’s a little known loophole in US law that allows anyone to distribute, resell or give away expired copyrighted content? Officially, its called public domain, and savvy marketers “borrow” it to publish instant products.

Public domain refers to anything that is NOT protected under US copyright law. This includes all works published before 1923 and under certain conditions, works published up to 1978. A “work” can be anything, a book, movies, plays, songs, photographs, instruction manuals, posters, courses, reports, etc. You could take these works, repackage them and sell them for a profit. By tapping into public domain content, all nitty gritty work has been done for you.

There are almost an endless number of ways that you can make money with public domain content. Let me suggest 10 different models you can use to activate and tap public domain treasures.

Model 1: Resell It. You can re-publish public domain content exactly as it is. Whether it’s a book, a movie or even music, you can take this content and quickly turn it into a product. Just copy it as it is and start selling it.

Model 2: Website Content You can take text of public domain work which relates to a product you are selling or an affiliate program that you are promoting. You then create web pages and include links back to your product page.

Model 3: Repackage You can repackage a public domain work into a new product. You can use ideas and some of content of public domain works to create new and better products. Eg. Walt Disney characters Snow White, Little Mermaid were all stories from public domain.

Model 4: Multimedia You can change books in print into a CD or even a video set. Add to perceived value of product by offering ways to consume information. What was once simply a “book” can now be a complete home study course or training program. Eg. The famous “Think & Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill has been made into an audio CD which is a more convenient format.

Model 5: Reprint Rights You could sell your version of information product along with marketing materials. People love reprint rights and it’s a quick and easy way to make tons of money immediately. You can sell reprint rights only to a derivative product you have created from original public domain material.

1. Clearly defines acceptable forms of ID, required information and dollar limits. Post these requirements where customers can see them at point of sale.

2. The check-writer's name and address should be pre-printed on check. Ask for and write phone number if it is not pre-printed on check.

3. Make sure written and numeral amounts correspond.

4. Watch check-writer sign check. If name is illegible, have customer print name below.

5. Compare signatures, photo and physical description from ID with that of check writer.

6. Verify that ID is still valid! Check driver's license for signs of alteration or modification.

7. Most returned checks have low check numbers (100 to 500), which indicates a new account and therefore a more risky check, particularly for business or "dba" (doing business as) checks. Do not accept starter checks. Any number under 300 should be a “red flag” and require a manager’s approval for acceptance

8. Never take business checks from individuals unless you know business and individual. Business checks are not presently eligible for electronic re-presentment. With available software, virtually anyone can produce a business check.