copying

Definition

Violation of intellectual property protection (copyright) laws. To be termed a 'copy,' a work must be substantially similar to ('lifted' or duplicated from) a copyrighted work. It is not a copy if the similarities between the two works are coincidental, or if both are based on or largely derived from the same source. Limited copying (such as for review or reference) is permitted under the doctrine of fair use. Under copyright law, it is the arrangement of words in a work that is copyrighted, not the concepts, facts, or ideas which the work contains or is based on.