infringement

(ĭn-frĭnj'mənt)
n.

1. A violation, as of a law, regulation, or agreement; a breach.
2. An encroachment, as of a right or privilege. See synonyms at breach.

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Overstepping another’s protected right.
See also copyright ; patent infringement ; trademark .

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noun

1. An act or instance of breaking a law or regulation or of nonfulfillment of an obligation or promise, for example: breach, contravention, infraction, transgression, trespass, violation. See right/wrong.
2. An advance beyond proper or legal limits: encroachment, entrenchment, impingement, intrusion, obtrusion, trespass. See enter/exit.

This entry contains information applicable to United States law only.

The encroachment, breach, or violation of a right, law, regulation, or contract.

The term is most frequently used in reference to the invasion of rights secured by copyright, patent, or trademark. The unauthorized manufacture, sale, or distribution of an item protected by a copyright, patent, or trademark constitutes an infringement.

For a list of words related to infringement, see:

• Crimes, Criminals, and Civil Offenders - infringement: unauthorized use of patented or copyrighted invention or intellectual property

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