infringement

noun

in·​fringe·​ment in-ˈfrinj-mənt 

1

: the act of infringing : violation

2

: an encroachment or trespass on a right or privilege

Synonyms

• breach
• contravention
• infraction
• transgression
• trespass
• violation

Examples of infringement in a Sentence

any government action limiting freedom of speech is an infringement of the U.S. Constitution

Recent Examples on the Web

Platforms will likely continue to face greater challenges in content moderation, copyright infringement and privacy concerns. —Lux Narayan, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

Alcon now seeks relief for monetary damages and accuses Tesla and WBD of direct copyright infringement, vicarious copyright infringement, contributory copyright infringement, and false endorsement. —Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 22 Oct. 2024

The suit’s claims include copyright infringement and false endorsement. —Dan Mangan,lora Kolodny, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2024

Attorneys for Ultra Music Publishing cited copyright infringement and vicarious copyright infringement as causes of action. —Zoe Guy, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

infringement

noun

in·​fringe·​ment

: the act or an instance of infringing

especially : the unauthorized use of copyrighted or patented material or of a trademark, trade name, or trade dress see also equivalent, fair use

Note: Infringement of a trademark, trade name, or trade dress involves use of one by the infringer that is the same as that of the owner or so similar that it is likely to deceive or to cause confusion or mistake on the part of the average purchaser. Infringement of a copyright involves the copying of a material and substantial portion of the protected work. If the alleged infringer denies copying, the copyright holder may be able to prove infringement with circumstantial evidence of the infringer's access to the protected work and of similarities between the two works.