copyrights

Definition of copyrightsnext
plural of copyright
as in patents
the legal right to be the only one to reproduce, publish, and sell a book, musical recording, etc., for a certain period of time His family still holds the copyright to his songs. laws that protect copyrights

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of copyrights In theory, an actor with such trademark protections could issue takedown claims against an AI platform similar to the way a studio can enforce its copyrights. Todd Spangler, Variety, 14 May 2026 All trademarks and copyrights of the Atlanta Dream and WNBA are used by permission. AJC.com, 10 May 2026 The next three points argue for limitations to patents and copyrights. Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026 This song has already been a hit with me, this is in my publishing company and this is obviously going to be one of my most important copyrights. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026 When Bieber sold his back catalog, Recognition took over publishing copyrights and master recordings, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Jay Peters, The Verge, 13 Apr. 2026 That framework should also ensure that children are protected, censorship is prevented, copyrights are respected, and communities are safeguarded. Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 16 Mar. 2026 After Pratt’s sentencing, Foster and several of the victims said the copyrights issue was an important and overlooked part of his plea agreement and sentence. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026 How women directors affect other forms of innovation – such as copyrights, trade secrets and first-mover advantage – remains unclear. Stephen J. Smulowitz, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copyrights
patents
Noun
  • In the United States, meanwhile, dozens of patents should keep Wegovy generics off the market until 2039, said professor Robin Feldman, a patent expert at the University of California Law-San Francisco.
    Elisabeth Rosenthal, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
  • Viture further claims similar patents have have been rejected in China, and that Xreal’s patent adds only minor, appearance-level changes rather than true optical innovation.
    Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026

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“Copyrights.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copyrights. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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