still under copyright

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "still under copyright" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a work that has not yet entered the public domain and is still protected by copyright law. Example: "This book is still under copyright, so you cannot reproduce it without permission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Prince of Persia" is still under copyright.

The Economist

The Google settlement largely concerned works that were still under copyright but no longer in print.

The New York Times

(This could also allow Google and other companies to digitally distribute long-neglected books that are still under copyright).

The New York Times

For all the French publishers, he estimated, around a million books remain out of print but still under copyright.

The New York Times

Works still under copyright protection allow limited tinkering and are protected (or not) by the estates of the creators.

The New York Times - Arts

A group of authors and publishers is challenging the company's right to scan books that are still under copyright.

The New York Times - Tech

Representatives of publishers and authors are challenging the company's practice of scanning books that are still under copyright.

The New York Times - Tech

It didn't always restrict itself to books in the public domain; it scanned ones still under copyright, too.

MIT Technology Review

Meanwhile Google plans to scan millions of library books – including many still under copyright – for its Print database.

MIT Technology Review

In general, you should assume that "found" resources and materials obtained from the Internet are still under copyright.

Yale University

Under "fair use," quotation from any published work still under copyright is permitted without obtaining the copyright holder's permission.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the copyright status of a work, use "still under copyright" to clearly indicate that the work has not entered the public domain and remains protected by copyright law.

Common error

Don't assume that older works are automatically in the public domain. Many works are "still under copyright" due to copyright term extensions. Always verify the copyright status before using such materials.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still under copyright" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun (often 'work', 'book', 'song', etc.) to describe its legal status. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase indicates that a work's copyright protection is currently active.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "still under copyright" is a common phrase used to describe works whose copyright protection remains active. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its primary function is to clarify the legal status of a work, indicating that it is subject to copyright restrictions and that permission is required for reuse. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, academic writing, and business contexts. Related phrases include ""copyright protected"" and "not in the public domain". When using the phrase, avoid assuming that older works are automatically in the public domain and always verify the copyright status.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

copyright protected

Replaces the preposition "under" with an adjective indicating the status of being protected by copyright.

copyrighted

A shorter, single-word adjective describing the state of being protected by copyright.

not in the public domain

Indicates the work has not yet entered the public domain and thus remains protected by copyright.

subject to copyright

Highlights that the work is governed and protected by copyright law.

copyright remains in effect

Emphasizes the ongoing validity and enforcement of the copyright.

copyright hasn't expired

Focuses on the fact that the copyright term has not yet ended.

legally protected by copyright

Adds emphasis on the legal aspect of copyright protection.

intellectual property rights apply

Broader phrase indicating intellectual property protection, which includes copyright.

ownership rights are maintained

Focuses on the rights of ownership and control conferred by copyright.

proprietary rights are reserved

Highlights that the creator or owner retains exclusive rights to the work.

FAQs

How can I check if a work is "still under copyright"?

You can check the copyright status of a work by consulting copyright databases, contacting the copyright office of the relevant country, or seeking legal advice. Resources like the Stanford Copyright & Fair Use Center can also provide guidance.

What are the implications if a work is "still under copyright"?

If a work is "still under copyright", you generally need permission from the copyright holder to reproduce, distribute, display, or create derivative works based on it. Unauthorized use may lead to copyright infringement.

What are some alternatives to using works that are "still under copyright"?

You can use works that are in the public domain, obtain permission from the copyright holder, or rely on fair use exceptions. Alternatives to reusing copyrighted content could include creating something original, or using contents that are "copyright protected" with a license.

What does it mean for a work to be an 'orphan work' that is "still under copyright"?

An 'orphan work' is a work that is "still under copyright", but the copyright holder is difficult or impossible to identify or locate. Although the work is protected, obtaining permission for its use is problematic.