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piracy

noun

/ˈpʌɪrəsi/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of piracy

The unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of copyrighted or trademarked materials, such as music, movies, software, and books.
"The rise of streaming services has decreased the prevalence of piracy."

Detailed meaning of piracy

This can take the form of downloading or sharing files illegally, making copies of protected works, or selling counterfeit versions of those works. Piracy is a serious problem in the digital age, as the internet has made it easier than ever for people to access and share copyrighted materials without permission. This has led to significant financial losses for the creators and owners of those works. Many organizations and governments around the world have implemented measures to combat piracy, such as digital rights management (DRM) technologies, legal action against individuals and groups involved in piracy, and public education campaigns.

Example sentences containing piracy

1. Piracy poses a significant threat to the entertainment industry.
2. Online piracy undermines artists' ability to earn a living.
3. The anti-piracy measures aim to protect intellectual property rights.
4. Digital piracy is a global issue affecting various creative sectors.
5. Streaming platforms combat piracy by enforcing copyright laws.
6. Piracy websites often operate in violation of copyright regulations.

History and etymology of piracy

The noun 'piracy,' in the context of copyright infringement, has an etymology that evokes images of lawlessness on the high seas. It derives from the Latin word 'pirata,' which came from the Greek word 'peirates,' both of which referred to sea robbers or pirates. 'Piracy' originally referred to acts of maritime robbery and pillaging. However, in the modern sense, it pertains to the unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of copyrighted or trademarked materials, such as music, movies, software, and books. This shift in meaning reflects the idea of these acts as a form of digital piracy, akin to the plundering and theft carried out by pirates on the high seas, albeit in a virtual realm. The etymology of 'piracy' thus bridges the historical world of sea piracy with the contemporary world of intellectual property theft, emphasizing the illicit and unauthorized nature of such actions.

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Further usage examples of piracy

1. Content creators lose revenue due to rampant digital piracy.
2. The movie industry battles piracy through legal action.
3. Software companies invest in piracy prevention technology.
4. Online piracy can result in legal consequences for individuals.
5. Piracy damages the music industry's financial sustainability.
6. The rise of torrent sites has exacerbated digital piracy.
7. The government cracks down on piracy for economic reasons.
8. Piracy's impact extends to job losses in creative industries.
9. Streaming services offer legal alternatives to combat piracy.
10. Copyright holders struggle to combat internet-based piracy.
11. Piracy can lead to fines and lawsuits for copyright infringement.
12. Online piracy often involves the illegal sharing of media files.
13. Anti-piracy campaigns aim to raise awareness of copyright theft.
14. The entertainment industry loses billions annually due to piracy.
15. Piracy continues to evolve with new technology and tactics.
16. Content creators rely on digital rights management to combat piracy.
17. Piracy harms both large studios and independent artists.
18. The fight against piracy involves cooperation between industries.
19. Piracy remains a contentious issue in the digital age.