Infringing

Infringing refers to the action of violating or breaking the terms of a law, agreement, or right. It often implies an encroachment on someone else's rights or property, particularly in legal contexts, such as intellectual property. An infringement can be intentional or unintentional and can lead to legal consequences if not addressed. The term highlights the importance of respecting others' rights and the boundaries established by laws and regulations.

Infringing meaning with examples

• The company's decision to use a similar logo without permission led to accusations of infringing on the trademark of a smaller business, which had built its brand over several years. The matter escalated into a legal dispute, as the smaller company argued that the public could confuse the two brands, damaging its reputation and sales. Legal experts advised the larger company to settle the issue quickly to avoid further reputational harm.
• During the conference, the speaker emphasized the significance of understanding copyright laws to avoid infringing on the rights of authors and creators. Participants were reminded that even creating derivative works without permission can lead to serious legal repercussions. Throughout the session, real-life examples demonstrated how many individuals and businesses misinterpret copyright, leading to unintentional infringement that could have been easily avoided with proper knowledge.
• An artist faced criticism after her mural was deemed infringing upon the intellectual property rights of a well-known animator. The animator claimed that the character depicted bore striking similarities to those he had created. The artist argued that her work was an original expression, leading to debates in the community about artistic inspiration versus infringement. The situation sparked discussions about the fine line between influence and infringement in the art world.
• The university took action against students who were caught infringing copyright by illegally downloading and sharing textbooks online. This infringement not only violated the law but also undermined the livelihoods of authors and publishers. As a response, the university organized workshops on the importance of respecting intellectual property, aiming to educate students about the potential legal issues and ethical considerations surrounding their actions.
• Following a lengthy investigation, the tech company was found guilty of infringing patents held by a competitor. The ruling not only resulted in a significant financial penalty but also raised questions about innovation and competition in the tech industry. The incident served as a cautionary tale, underscoring the necessity for companies to conduct thorough due diligence before launching new products to ensure they are not infringing on existing intellectual property rights.