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 of infringement

• 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

Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment sued Suno (and its competitor Udio) in 2024 for copyright infringement. —Corbin Bolies, Variety, 3 June 2026

The major music companies sued in 2024 on allegations of massive copyright infringement from the world’s biggest’s artists and songwriters, though Warner Music Group had announced last November a settlement and new partnership with the company. —Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2026

Pattie Gonia defended herself against a lawsuit filed by the clothing company Patagonia for trademark infringement. —Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 3 June 2026

Pattie Gonia claimed that her merch never fell under the banner of trademark infringement that Patagonia claims in its suit. —Simmone Shah, Time, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for infringement

• impingement

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.