Web Site Offers Artists Royalty-Free Materials

An Internet clearinghouse was launched last week seeking to counteract the barriers to creativity that its founders believe current copyright protection law fosters.

The Creative Commons, a nonprofit organization based at Stanford University and formed by legal scholars and Web publishers, will encourage authors and other creative people to donate selected writings, music, video and other works for free exchange.

A documentary filmmaker needing a shot of the New York skyline could then use the clearinghouse to find royalty-free footage. Or a small-town orchestra with limited funding could find pieces to perform free.

Users would be able to search for digital and physical materials at www.creativecommons.org.