Word
copyright
Copyright is the legal protection that gives creators control over how their original work is used and shared.
Meanings
the legal right that protects an original creative work and controls how it can be copied, shared, or adapted
the exclusive right to publish or reproduce a particular work
Definition
Copyright is a legal right that protects original creative works such as books, music, films, photographs, and software. It usually gives the creator exclusive control over copying, distributing, and adapting the work for a certain period of time. Other people typically need permission or a license to use the work in specific ways. Copyright can be transferred or licensed to others under agreed terms.
Examples
- I asked the photographer for permission because the image was under copyright.
- You can’t legally repost the entire article if it is protected by copyright.
- She transferred the copyright to the publisher as part of her book deal.
- They challenged the claim by showing their work was original and not a copyright violation.
Common mistake
Learners often use copyright as a verb (e.g., “to copyright a song”) when it is usually a noun; say “to register copyright” or “to protect a song with copyright” instead.
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