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Warning
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LSDefine
Simple English definitions for legal terms
copyright infringement
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A quick definition of copyright infringement:
Copyright infringement is when someone uses something that belongs to someone else without their permission. This can include copying, distributing, or displaying something that is copyrighted. It is against the law and can result in consequences like having to pay money or even going to jail. Sometimes people can accidentally infringe on someone's copyright without knowing it, but it is still important to be careful and get permission before using someone else's work.A more thorough explanation:
Copyright infringement is when someone violates the exclusive rights of a copyright owner. This can include:
- Copying or distributing a copyrighted work without permission
- Creating a derivative work based on a copyrighted work without permission
- Performing or displaying a copyrighted work publicly without permission
- Importing copies of a copyrighted work into the United States without permission
For example, if someone makes copies of a book or movie and sells them without permission from the copyright owner, that is copyright infringement.
There are different types of copyright infringement:
- Direct infringement: when someone directly violates a copyright owner's exclusive rights
- Contributory infringement: when someone helps or encourages someone else to infringe on a copyright
- Vicarious infringement: when someone is responsible for someone else's infringement, even if they didn't directly participate
- Criminal infringement: when someone willfully infringes on a copyright for financial gain or traffics in goods or services that bear a counterfeit mark
It's important to respect the rights of copyright owners and get permission before using their work. Otherwise, you could face legal consequences for copyright infringement.