Copyright
/ˈkɒpɪraɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe exclusive right to control the use of original works of authorship, including literary, dramatic, musical, and certain other intellectual works. It grants the copyright holder the right to copy, distribute, and create derivative works.
/ˈkɒpɪraɪt/
The exclusive legal right, given to an originator or an assignee to print, publish, perform, film, or record literary, artistic, or musical material, and to authorize others to do the same.
The copyright protects the author's original work.
💡 Simply: It's like the 'owner's manual' for a creative work. If you write a song or draw a picture, copyright is the legal shield that says, 'Hey, only I can make copies, sell it, or let other people use it.' It’s about protecting your work so that people give you credit and potentially pay you if they want to use it.
👶 For kids: Copyright is like a special rule that says, 'This toy, drawing, or story belongs to me, and nobody else can use it without asking!'
More Examples
He registered his artwork to obtain copyright protection.
Infringement of copyright can lead to legal consequences.
How It's Used
"The book is protected by copyright."
"The publisher secured the copyright for the new novel."
To secure legal copyright for a work. This process provides the owner with exclusive rights to the work, protecting it from unauthorized use, reproduction, and distribution.
/ˈkɒpɪraɪt/
Obtain copyright for (a work).
She decided to copyright her poetry collection.
💡 Simply: To make sure your work is legally protected, you 'copyright' it. That's like putting a sign on it that says, 'Hands off! This is mine, and only I get to decide what happens to it.'
👶 For kids: If you want to make sure nobody can copy your awesome drawing, you can 'copyright' it. Then it’s all yours!
More Examples
The company copyrighted the new software program.
He forgot to copyright his work, which led to its unauthorized use.
How It's Used
"The author copyrighted her new screenplay."
"We need to copyright all our marketing materials."
Idioms & expressions
Copyright infringement
The act of violating the exclusive rights of a copyright holder, such as copying, distributing, or creating derivative works without permission.
"The unauthorized use of the music resulted in copyright infringement."
Fair use
A legal doctrine that permits limited use of copyrighted material without requiring permission from the rights holders, such as for criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.
"The news article used a small portion of the song under fair use rules."
From the phrase 'copy right,' indicating the exclusive right to copy and distribute a work. Originates in English law, developed from concepts of literary property in the 17th and 18th centuries, gaining formal legal recognition with the Statute of Anne in 1710. It has evolved significantly with technological advancements, extending to various forms of creative expression.
Originally 'copy right', emphasizing the legal right over the copy, distinct from the author's moral rights. The development of copyright law paralleled the rise of printing and publishing, evolving from concerns about censorship and control of information.
Memory tip
Think of it as the 'right to copy' – it's a legal protection for creators.