copyright infringement
Definition
Copyright infringement happens when someone uses another person's creative work without permission, such as copying text, images, music, or videos that belong to someone else. The creator of any original work automatically owns the copyright to it, which means they control how others can use, copy, or profit from it. Using someone else's work without getting their consent or paying for a license is illegal and can lead to serious financial penalties.
Example
If you copy product descriptions from a competitor's website and paste them onto your own, you are infringing on their copyright even if you make small edits to the text. The same applies to using a photographer's image on your website without purchasing the rights to it.
Watch Out
Many business owners assume that giving credit to the original creator or finding something through a Google search makes it free to use, but neither of those things protects you from a copyright infringement claim.
See which terms appear in your contract?
This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.