COPYLEFT Definition & Meaning

copyleft

[ kop-ee-left ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the right to freely use, modify, copy, and share software, works of art, etc., on the condition that these rights be granted to all subsequent users or owners.

verb (used with object)

to secure copyleft for (software, works of art, etc.)

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of copyleft¹

First recorded in 1960–65; modeled on copyright ( def )

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

See, now you sound like a copyleft person.

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You’ll hear us say “copyright maximalist,” which is the idea that copyright should cover a lot of things and rights holders should have a lot of power over how their work is used, and “copyleft,” which is the idea that people should be able to use and modify works more freely for the public good.

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You’re coming from that copyleft, where everything wants to be free.

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Videos that fall into the Public Domain, Creative Commons and CopyLeft are fair game for downloading, though you could still be violating YouTube’s Terms of Service.

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Videos that fall into the Public Domain, Creative Commons, and CopyLeft are fair game for downloading.

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