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Infringing: meaning, definitions and examples

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infringing

 

[ɪnˈfrɪndʒɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

legal

Acting in a way that violates a law or a rule. Infringing can refer to intellectual property rights, copyrights, patents, or trademarks.

Synonyms

breaching, trespassing, violating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infringing

Use this when someone is encroaching on someone's rights, intellectual property, or personal space.

  • The company was sued for infringing on the patent rights of the smaller business
  • She felt her personal space was being infringed upon
violating

This word applies to breaking rules, laws, or moral codes and often carries a negative connotation.

  • He was arrested for violating the city's ordinances
  • She felt that her privacy was being violated during the investigation
breaching

This word is appropriate for situations involving the breaking of laws, agreements, or promises.

  • By not delivering the goods on time, the supplier was breaching the contract
  • His actions were seen as breaching the company's code of conduct
trespassing

This is used when someone enters someone's property without permission.

  • The signs clearly stated 'No Trespassing
  • ' She was caught trespassing on private land

Examples of usage

  • The company was sued for infringing on a competitor's patent.
  • He was found guilty of infringing on the artist's copyright.
  • If you continue infringing on these trademarks, legal action will be taken.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To encroach or trespass on someone else's rights or territory, often in a non-legal sense.

Synonyms

encroach, intrude, trespass.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infringing

Used typically in legal contexts, especially regarding the violation of laws, rights, or regulations.

  • He was fined for infringing on copyright laws.
  • The company was sued for infringing the patent.
encroach

Generally used when someone or something gradually takes over another's territory, space, rights, or activities.

  • The new building encroaches on the park area.
  • She felt her personal space was being encroached upon.
trespass

Used mainly in legal or formal contexts, referring to entering someone's property without permission. This word often carries a negative connotation.

  • The sign warns that anyone trespassing will be prosecuted.
  • They were caught trespassing on private land.
intrude

Often used when someone enters a place or situation where they are not welcome or wanted, possibly causing annoyance.

  • I don't want to intrude on your private conversation.
  • He intruded into the meeting uninvited.

Examples of usage

  • Please do not infringe on my personal space.
  • She felt that her colleagues were infringing on her responsibilities.
  • The new regulations are seen as infringing on individual freedoms.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, infringing often relates to copyright, where using someone else's work without permission is not allowed.
  • Trademark infringement occurs when one brand uses a name or symbol that's very similar to another brand's, which can confuse customers.
  • Patent laws protect inventors, and infringing a patent means making, using, or selling an invention without permission.

Social Norms

  • Infringing can also refer to violating social norms, like interrupting someone while they're talking or invading their personal space.
  • Cultural expectations might differ; what's considered infringing in one culture might be normal in another.

Technology

  • The digital age sees a rise in issues of infringing relating to software and online content, where many unknowingly breach copyright laws.
  • Technological advancements like file sharing can lead to increased rates of infringement, causing serious consequences for individuals and companies.

Psychology

  • Infringing on someone's boundaries can lead to feelings of discomfort or anger, impacting relationships.
  • Understanding the psychology behind boundaries can help reduce cases of infringement in personal and professional settings.

Pop Culture

  • Many songs and movies deal with themes of infringement, whether it's about love boundaries or stealing ideas, reflecting the relevance of the term in everyday life.
  • Some famous lawsuits have emerged over alleged infringements in music, leading to public discussions about originality and creativity.

Translations

Translations of the word "infringing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 infringindo

🇮🇳 उल्लंघन कर रहा है

🇩🇪 verletzend

🇮🇩 melanggar

🇺🇦 порушуючи

🇵🇱 naruszający

🇯🇵 侵害している

🇫🇷 enfreignant

🇪🇸 infringiendo

🇹🇷 ihlal eden

🇰🇷 침해하는

🇸🇦 منتهك

🇨🇿 porušující

🇸🇰 porušujúci

🇨🇳 侵犯

🇸🇮 kršeč

🇮🇸 brjóta gegn

🇰🇿 бұзатын

🇬🇪 დარღვევა

🇦🇿 pozma

🇲🇽 infringiendo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,027, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.