Cop"y*right (?), n.
The right of an author or his assignee, under statute, to print and publish his literary or artistic work, exclusively of all other persons. This right may be had in maps, charts, engravings, plays, and musical compositions, as well as in books.
⇒ In the United States a copyright runs for the term of twenty-eight years, with right of renewal for fourteen years on certain conditions.
<-- now life plus 50 years, or 75 years for works created for hire. Further extension is (1996) being discussed. -->
International copyright, an author's right in his productions as secured by treaty between nations.
© Webster 1913.
Cop"y*right`, v. t.
To secure a copyright on.
© Webster 1913.