copyright

[kop-ee-rahyt]

noun

1. the exclusive right to make copies, license, and otherwise exploit a literary, musical, or artistic work, whether printed, audio, video, etc.: works granted such right by law on or after January 1, 1978, are protected for the lifetime of an author or creator and for a period of 70 years after their death.

adjective

1. of or relating to copyrights.

2. Also copyrighted. protected by copyright.

verb (used with object)

1. to secure a copyright on.

copyright

¹

/ ˈkɒpɪˌraɪt /

noun

1. (c). the exclusive right to produce copies and to control an original literary, musical, or artistic work, granted by law for a specified number of years (in Britain, usually 70 years from the death of the author, composer, etc, or from the date of publication if later)

adjective

1. (of a work, etc) subject to or controlled by copyright

verb

1. (tr) to take out a copyright on

©

²

symbol

1. copyright

copyright

¹

1. The legal protection given to published works, forbidding anyone but the author from publishing or selling them. An author can transfer the copyright to another person or corporation, such as a publishing company.

copyright

²

1. A grant of an exclusive right to produce or sell a book, motion picture, work of art, musical composition, software, or similar product during a specified period of time.

The symbol (see also symbol) for copyright is ©.

Other Word Forms

• copyrighter noun
• copyrightable adjective
• uncopyrighted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of copyright¹

First recorded in 1725–35; copy + right

Example Sentences

It was heading for the charts in the UK and the US but was banned by streaming services after record industry bodies issued takedown notices, alleging the track violated copyright by impersonating another artist.

Read more on BBC

Some reports have suggested there were copyright claims, though the Times also reported speculation that there were concerns, or even regrets about it being made.

Read more on BBC

Internet providers have been thrust into the unwelcome position of having to arbitrate disputes between copyright holders and alleged infringers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The technology stands accused of fuelling misinformation, copyright lawsuits are mushrooming, and many companies have cited AI adoption as an explanation for mass layoffs.

Read more on Barron's

Hurts is second-guessed so often he should probably go ahead and copyright the term.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• cartel 
• holding 
• ownership 
• patent 
• trust