Infringement: meaning, definitions and examples

Infringement is typically used in legal contexts, particularly when discussing the violation of intellectual property rights, such as copyrights, patents, and trademarks.

• The company was sued for copyright infringement.
• Infringement of patent rights can result in significant legal penalties.

Violation is a broad term that can be applied to any act of disregarding or failing to comply with a rule, law, or agreement. It is often used in legal, social, and ethical contexts.

• Speeding is a violation of traffic laws.
• Human rights violations are a serious concern worldwide.

Breach is often used to describe the violation of contracts, trust, or security protocols. It implies a breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct.

• The data breach compromised sensitive customer information.
• Failing to meet the deadline is considered a breach of contract.

Transgression is usually used in moral, ethical, or religious contexts and refers to the act of going beyond limits set by laws, commands, or established practices.

• His actions were seen as a serious transgression against social norms.
• Confessing one's transgressions is a common practice in many religions.

Typically used in legal or formal contexts to describe the act of breaking a law, rule, or agreement, especially in regards to intellectual property or rights.

• Copyright infringement is a serious issue in the publishing industry.
• The company was fined for patent infringement.

Commonly used to describe either minor or serious breaches of laws, rules, or regulations. This term can be applied to legal, ethical, or moral violations.

• The factory was shut down due to safety violations.
• This action is a clear violation of company policy.

Often used to indicate a minor breaking of a law or rule, generally in the context of regulatory or local government laws.

• He received a ticket for a traffic infraction.
• The player was suspended for a minor infraction of the league's rules.

A broad term that can be used to describe any violation of law or rules, often with a reference to criminal activities. It might carry a slight negative connotation.

• The young man was arrested for a criminal offense.
• The company took offense at the breach of contract.

Use this word to refer to the violation of a law, agreement, or right. It is often used in a broad legal context.

• The company was sued for patent infringement.
• The infringement of privacy is a serious concern.

This term is used to describe the act of copying someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own. It typically relates to academic and creative fields.

• The student was expelled for plagiarism.
• Plagiarism in academia is taken very seriously.

Use this word when referring to the illegal copying and distribution of digital content, such as music, movies, or software. It can also refer to sea piracy.

• The crackdown on online piracy has intensified.
• Piracy was a common threat in the early 18th century.

This term is used when talking about the imitation or reproduction of something, usually money or goods, with the intent to deceive.

• He was arrested for counterfeiting banknotes.
• The market is flooded with counterfeit luxury goods.