copyright law

American  

[kop-ee-rahyt law] / ˈkɒp iˌraɪt ˈlɔ /

noun

1. the body of laws and regulations that govern the exclusive rights of an author or creator to make copies, license, and otherwise exploit their literary, musical, or artistic work.

   This website will not be held responsible for member-posted information that may violate copyright law.

   U.S. copyright law protects photos, and a patchwork of state laws limits the use of your name or likeness without permission.

---

Example Sentences

Charles Rivkin, the chairman and chief executive of the Motion Picture Association, called on ByteDance to "immediately cease its infringing activity," accusing it of disregarding copyright law that protects creators and underpins millions of jobs.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

The cases relate to copyright law and attorney-client privilege.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

“ByteDance is disregarding well-established copyright law that protects the rights of creators and underpins millions of American jobs,” the association said Thursday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026

Alina Trapova, an assistant professor in copyright law at University College London, also believes it to be first time an actor has attempted to use trademark law to their benefit against AI.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

Previous American requirements The American copyright law of 1909 prescribes exactly the method of securing copyright, and makes clear the cases in which non-compliance invalidates copyright.

From Copyright: Its History and Its Law by Bowker, Richard Rogers