Cool MateCopyright
UK /["/ˈkɒpiraɪt/"]/US /["/ˈkɑːpiraɪt/"]/
Definition
if a person or an organization holds the copyright on a piece of writing, music, etc., they are the only people who have the legal right to publish, broadcast, perform it, etc., and other people must ask their permission to use it or any part of it
In simple words: A legal right that protects someone's work or ideas from being used without permission.
Examples
- The author holds the copyright to the novel, allowing them to control its reproduction and distribution.
- Before using the image, make sure it is not protected by copyright laws.
- Many films are subject to copyright, which prevents unauthorized copying.
- The company purchased the copyright for the software to secure exclusive rights.
- The debate over copyright often centers on balancing creators’ rights with public access.
Usage notes
Use 'copyright' in formal contexts like legal discussions or academic writing. Avoid in casual conversations.
Grammar pattern
copyright + object
Memory hint
Think of 'copy' and 'right' — it's your right to protect your copy of something.
Collocations
- have
- hold
- own
- protect something
- expire
- lapse
- infringement
- violation
- law
- in copyright
- out of copyright
- copyright on
- breach of copyright
- infringement of copyright
- ownership of copyright
Synonyms
- intellectual property
- exclusive rights
- license
Antonyms
- public domain
- copyleft
Common mistakes
- Confusing 'copyright' with 'patent' - they protect different things.
- Using 'copyrighted' incorrectly; must apply it to specific works.
- Confusing the terms 'copyright' and 'trademark'; they are not the same.