legitimate copy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legitimate copy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a version of a document, software, or any material that is authorized and not counterfeit or illegal. Example: "Make sure you purchase a legitimate copy of the software to avoid any legal issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Buying the full version of Windows 7 (instead of the cheaper upgrade edition) and installing a fresh, legitimate copy of the system is one way to upgrade.

The New York Times

To enter the contest, fans would be required to visit the rapper's Web site and place a legitimate copy of the CD in their computers to unlock a registration area.

The New York Times

The court will allow the studio to send invoices to downloaders if it only charges downloaders for the cost of a legitimate copy of the film, and if it pays the bond.

The Guardian - Film

I've had even more trouble trying to play older games on new machines: some won't run at all, some run without sound or video, one wouldn't work because the website to verify that I own a legitimate copy no longer exists.

The Guardian - Tech

Have a legitimate copy of your operating system.

TechCrunch

Other reports indicate that deleting the pirated app and purchasing a legitimate copy does not immediately fix the issue.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

His company did sell 300,000 legitimate copies of "Titanic," its biggest success.

The New York Times

However, legitimate copies of the game are not actually available in Iran; EA has no distributors in the country.

The Guardian - Tech

But distributor Activision said in a statement that "we don't plan to ban players with early legitimate copies of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3".

The Guardian - Tech

Mr. Bush's aides said that only the campaign's senior officials had authorized access to -- and copies of -- the materials, and that all those legitimate copies were subsequently accounted for.

The New York Times

However, Beyoncé is on track for a third week at the top spot of the US Billboard 200 chart after shifting 617,000 legitimate copies of her fifth studio album in its first week of release.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or business contexts, using "legitimate copy" can help distinguish between authorized and unauthorized reproductions of documents or products.

Common error

Don't assume a "legitimate copy" automatically grants the right to make unlimited backups. Check the licensing terms to understand the allowed uses and restrictions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legitimate copy" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "legitimate" modifies the noun "copy", indicating that the copy is authorized, legal, and authentic. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows that it is frequently used in contexts discussing software, media, and official documents.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

21%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "legitimate copy" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term, according to Ludwig, employed to specifically denote an authorized, legal, and authentic version of a product, document, or software. Its primary function is to differentiate from unauthorized or pirated versions, with usage spanning news, wiki, and scientific domains. When writing, remember to advocate for purchasing a "legitimate copy" to support creators and avoid legal problems, however do not assume that a "legitimate copy" grants the right to make unlimited backups, always check terms and conditions. Alternatives include "authentic version" and "genuine article".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authentic version

Focuses on the genuineness and originality of the copy.

genuine article

Highlights the realness and lack of forgery.

official version

Emphasizes that the copy is sanctioned or approved by an authority.

legal duplicate

Stresses the legality and permissibility of the copy.

authorized replica

Implies permission was granted to create the copy.

unlicensed version

Refers to a version of the copy which does not have a license

valid edition

Indicates the copy is recognized and accepted as real.

verifiable copy

Highlights that the copy can be proven to be authentic.

bona fide copy

Uses a Latin term to stress the good faith and authenticity of the copy.

non-pirated version

Specifically contrasts with illegally obtained copies.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "legitimate copy"?

You can use alternatives like "authentic version", "genuine article", or "official version" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "legitimate copy"? Isn't a copy always implied to be legitimate?

No, it's not redundant. The term "legitimate copy" is used to explicitly differentiate from unauthorized or pirated copies. The word "legitimate" here is important to emphasize the legality and authenticity of the copy.

What's the difference between a "legitimate copy" and a "licensed copy"?

A "legitimate copy" refers to the authenticity and legality of the copy itself, while a "licensed copy" implies that the user has the proper authorization or license to use it. A copy can be legitimate but used without a proper license, or vice versa.

How do I ensure I have a "legitimate copy" of software?

Purchase directly from the official vendor's website or authorized retailers. Be wary of heavily discounted prices or unofficial sources, as these may offer counterfeit or pirated versions. Always check for proper licensing agreements and product keys.