breach of copyright

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breach of copyright" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts or discussions about intellectual property rights when referring to the violation of copyright laws. Example: "The company faced serious consequences after the breach of copyright was discovered in their latest advertising campaign."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Plagiarism entails breach of copyright crimes here.

The New York Times - Books

It is clearly a breach of copyright," he said.

The Guardian

Their purpose is simply to collect royalties when a breach of copyright has occurred.

The Economist

Not long after, a group of authors and publishers sued the company for breach of copyright.

The Economist

All were appropriately horrified and an action was launched against Napster for breach of copyright.

The Guardian - Music

Odd though it sounds now, Hamilton had been unaware that he was in breach of copyright.

The Guardian - Books

According to Robert Levine, 75% of all material on YouTube is in breach of copyright.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ramsay's claim is for breach of private information, breach of confidence, breach of copyright and conspiracy.

The Guardian

"This constitutes a serious breach of copyright violation and theft of Warner Bros property.

The Guardian - Film

A spokesperson from the university said that it considered Gizewski's action a breach of copyright.

The Guardian - Books

The Tories have been forced to pull their Jeremy Corbyn attack video due to a breach of copyright.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal matters, use the phrase "breach of copyright" to clearly indicate the violation of copyright laws. This term is widely understood in legal and journalistic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "plagiarism" interchangeably with "breach of copyright". Plagiarism concerns academic or ethical integrity and the lack of attribution, while "breach of copyright" specifically involves the illegal use or reproduction of copyrighted material, regardless of attribution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breach of copyright" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies an action that violates copyright law. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "breach of copyright" is a well-established term used to describe violations of copyright law. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in legal and journalistic contexts. Alternative phrases such as "copyright infringement" and "violation of copyright law" are available, with slight variations in formality and emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure it's clearly distinguished from plagiarism, which focuses on attribution rather than illegal use. The term appears most frequently in News & Media, reflecting its relevance to discussions about intellectual property rights and legal disputes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

copyright infringement

Directly indicates the act of violating copyright law.

violation of copyright law

More formal and explicitly refers to the legal aspect.

copyright violation

A more concise alternative to "violation of copyright law".

unauthorized use of copyrighted material

Emphasizes the lack of permission in using the material.

illegal copying

Focuses on the act of copying without legal permission.

piracy

Refers to large-scale, commercial copyright infringement.

unlawful reproduction

Highlights the act of reproducing copyrighted work illegally.

intellectual property theft

Broader term encompassing various forms of intellectual property violations, including copyright.

plagiarism

Involves using someone else's work without attribution, often overlapping with copyright issues.

counterfeiting

Primarily relates to trademark infringement, but can involve copyright when replicating protected works.

FAQs

What are the legal consequences of a "breach of copyright"?

A "breach of copyright" can lead to severe financial penalties, including fines and damages, and in some cases, criminal liability. The specific consequences depend on the nature and extent of the infringement, as well as applicable copyright laws.

What's the difference between "breach of copyright" and "copyright infringement"?

"Breach of copyright" and "copyright infringement" are often used interchangeably. They both refer to the act of violating the exclusive rights granted to a copyright holder. However, "breach of copyright" might be considered slightly broader, encompassing any violation of copyright law, while "copyright infringement" more specifically refers to unauthorized use.

How does fair use relate to "breach of copyright"?

Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. If a use qualifies as fair use, it is not considered a "breach of copyright". However, whether a particular use qualifies as fair use depends on a fact-specific analysis considering factors such as the purpose and character of the use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount used, and the effect on the market for the original work.

What should I do if I suspect a "breach of copyright" of my work?

If you suspect a "breach of copyright" of your work, gather evidence of the infringement. Then, consider contacting a lawyer specializing in copyright law to discuss your options, which may include sending a cease and desist letter or pursuing legal action.