Dictionary:

infringement

  (ĭn-frĭnj'mənt)

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.

Overstepping another's protected right. See also Copyright; Patent Infringement; Trademark.

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.

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.

Infringement, when used alone, has several possible meanings in the English language.

In a legal context, an infringement refers to the violation of a law or a right. This includes:

• copyright infringement
• patent infringement
• trademark infringement

See also

• violation
• infraction

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