copyright
UK: ˈkɒpiraɪt | US: ˈkɑːpiraɪt
n. the exclusive legal right to reproduce, publish, sell, or distribute the matter and form of a literary, musical, or artistic work
vt. to secure copyright for a work
copyright = copy<reproduce> + right<legal entitlement>
- copy: From Latin copia (abundance, transcript), via Old French copie (reproduction). In Middle English, it evolved to mean a written duplicate.
- right: From Old English riht (just, lawful), rooted in Proto-Germanic rehtaz, linked to Latin rectus (straight, correct).
Etymology Origin:
The term copyright emerged in the early 18th century, combining copy (reproduction of text) and right (legal authority). It reflects the concept of granting creators control over the duplication and distribution of their works, formalized in statutes like the British Copyright Act of 1710. The morphemes logically merge the act of copying with the legal framework protecting it.
The author registered the copyright for her novel.
Unauthorized use of copyrighted material may lead to legal action.
The film’s copyright expires 70 years after the director’s death.
Always check copyright status before republishing old articles.
He copyrighted his music to prevent plagiarism.