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Infringement: meaning, definitions and examples

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infringement

 

[ɪnˈfrɪndʒmənt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal term

An act of breaking a law or right; a violation or breach.

Synonyms

breach, transgression, violation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infringement

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

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

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

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.

Examples of usage

  • The company was sued for copyright infringement.
  • He was fined for trademark infringement.
Context #2 | Noun

sports

An act of breaking the rules in a game or match.

Synonyms

infraction, offense, violation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infringement

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.
violation

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.
infraction

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.
offense

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.

Examples of usage

  • The referee penalized the player for infringement of the rules.
  • The goal was disallowed due to an infringement.
Context #3 | Noun

intellectual property

An unauthorized use or reproduction of someone else's work, such as a copyright or patent.

Synonyms

counterfeiting, piracy, plagiarism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infringement

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.
plagiarism

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.
piracy

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.
counterfeiting

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.

Examples of usage

  • The artist filed a lawsuit for infringement of their artwork.
  • The company was found guilty of patent infringement.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • Infringement often refers to violations of copyright, patents, or trademarks, affecting the rights of creators.
  • Many companies have extensive legal teams to protect against infringement in order to safeguard their intellectual property.
  • Infringement cases can escalate quickly, leading to costly lawsuits and public disputes.

Historical Origins

  • The word 'infringe' comes from the Latin 'infringere,' meaning 'to break' or 'to weaken'.
  • Infringement as a legal term evolved in the 19th century with the rise of intellectual property laws.

Cultural Impact

  • Many artists and content creators highlight infringement in discussions about digital rights and piracy.
  • The music industry has seen significant shifts due to copyright infringement debates, especially with the rise of streaming.

Economics

  • Infringement can have a big impact on industries by undermining profits and market share for original creators.
  • Protecting against infringement is integral to the business models of many tech firms, emphasizing the value of innovation.

Psychology

  • Studies show that individuals may perceive infringement differently based on their ethical beliefs regarding ownership and creativity.
  • The emotional response to infringement often involves feelings of betrayal and injustice, especially among artists.

Translations

Translations of the word "infringement" in other languages:

🇵🇹 violação

🇮🇳 उल्लंघन

🇩🇪 Verletzung

🇮🇩 pelanggaran

🇺🇦 порушення

🇵🇱 naruszenie

🇯🇵 違反

🇫🇷 violation

🇪🇸 infracción

🇹🇷 ihlâl

🇰🇷 위반

🇸🇦 انتهاك

🇨🇿 porušení

🇸🇰 porušenie

🇨🇳 侵犯

🇸🇮 kršitev

🇮🇸 brot

🇰🇿 бұзу

🇬🇪 დარღვევა

🇦🇿 pozuntu

🇲🇽 infracción

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,610 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.