The returned data handle must not be used after the WinCloseClipbrd function is called. For this reason, the application must either copy the data (if required for long-term use) or process the data before the WinCloseClipbrd function is called. The application must neither free the data handle itself, nor leave it locked in any way.

Information about the format of the data in the clipboard can be obtained from WinQueryClipbrdFmtInfo.