Copyright Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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copyright
[หkษpiraษชt ]
Definition
legal protection
The exclusive legal right to reproduce, publish, sell, or distribute the matter and form of something (such as a literary, musical, or artistic work). Copyright protects the expression of ideas, not the ideas themselves.
Synonyms
author's rights, intellectual property rights, proprietary rights.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| copyright |
Use this term to refer to the legal right given to the creator of original works (like books, music, and software) to control how their work is used and distributed.
|
| author's rights |
This term is often used in legal documents and discussions to specifically refer to the personal rights that authors have over their creations, including moral and economic rights.
|
Examples of usage
- Authors, musicians, and artists often rely on copyright to protect their creative works.
- Plagiarism is a violation of copyright law.
- Fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission.
- Registering your work with the copyright office can provide additional legal protection.
- Copyright infringement can result in legal action.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'copyright'
The concept of copyright can be traced back to ancient times when the protection of literary and artistic works was granted by rulers through royal decrees. In the modern sense, the first copyright law was enacted in England in the 18th century with the Statute of Anne. The United States Constitution also includes a provision for copyright protection. Over the years, copyright laws have evolved to keep pace with technological advancements and international agreements.
See also: copiable, copier, copious, copyable, copying, copyist, copywriting.