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

• violation
• offence

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

Wetzel is a trial lawyer who represents social media platforms and legacy media companies on music licensing and copyright issues, and reps a wide range of AI firms, including Suno and Udio, in copyright infringement lawsuits brought by the major record labels. —Claudia Rosenbaum, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025

In addition to the aforementioned pop stars, John Legend, Barbra Streisand, Janelle Monae, Bonnie Raitt, Finneas, Maggie Rogers and Patti LuPone have also joined the cause, which aims to call out and stand against infringements on free speech. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 1 Oct. 2025

As Hollywood producers increasingly turn to AI tools to help develop stories, characters and franchises, the creative community needs new training to understand how to protect themselves from copyright infringement claims. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 21 Sep. 2025

The complaint includes claims for trademark infringement, counterfeiting, unfair competition and deceptive trade practices. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Sep. 2025

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.