Copyright

Definition

Copyright is a legal right granted to the creator of original works, such as literary, artistic, musical, and other intellectual properties. This right allows the creator to control the use, reproduction, distribution, and adaptation of their work for a limited time, typically the creator's lifetime plus several decades after their death.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkɑːpiraɪt/
• Respelling: KAH-pee-ryt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkɒpiraɪt/
• Respelling: KOP-ee-ryt

The pronunciation of "copyright" varies slightly between American and British English, particularly in the first vowel sound.

Etymology

The term "copyright" comes from the combination of the words "copy" and "right." It originated in the 18th century, particularly with the enactment of the Statute of Anne in 1710 in the UK, which was the first copyright law. "Copy" refers to the act of reproducing a work, while "right" refers to the legal authority over the work.

Derivatives

• Copyrightable (adjective)
• Copyrighted (adjective/verb)
• Copyright infringement (noun)
• Copyleft (noun)
• Recopyright (verb)

Synonyms

• Intellectual property
• Publication right
• Exclusive right

Antonyms

• Public domain
• Fair use
• Creative Commons

Usage

Copyright is a crucial concept in creative industries, such as publishing, music, film, and software development, where creators and organizations rely on intellectual property protection to control the use and profit from their creations. It plays a vital role in fostering innovation by granting creators economic incentives while ensuring that their rights are protected. Copyright infringement occurs when someone uses a copyrighted work without permission, which may lead to legal consequences.

Related Terms

• Patent: A legal right granting exclusive ownership of an invention.
• Trademark: A symbol, word, or phrase legally registered to represent a company or product.
• License: Legal permission to use copyrighted material under certain conditions.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A legal right protecting original works of authorship: Refers to the legal authority given to the creator of a work to control its use.
  • Example: "The author holds the copyright to all of her books."

Verb

• To secure the rights of a work: Refers to the act of registering or enforcing copyright over a creative work.
  • Example: "He copyrighted his latest painting to prevent unauthorized reproductions."