A specific word is not protected by copyright nor is the idea of its definition, but the actual expression of that definition is protected. However, protection is not permanent, and some versions of Webster’s are in the public domain. In principle, one could find such a dictionary out there.
Is the Merriam Webster dictionary copyrighted?
A MERRIAM-WEBSTER, MERRIAM-WEBSTER, COLLEGIATE, WEBSTER’S COLLEGIATE, WEBSTER’S UNABRIDGED, WEBSTER’S THIRD NEW INTERNATIONAL AND DESIGN, MERRIAM-WEBSTER’S COLLEGIATE DICTIONARY AND DESIGN, and CIRCLE WITH NW MONOGRAM AND WEBSTER’S, are trademarks of Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Are Oxford dictionary definitions copyrighted?
A dictionary of the English language, by Samuel Johnson, is in the public domain and has been for many years. The Oxford English Dictionary and other Oxford dictionaries are copyright to the Oxford University Press.
Are dictionaries fair use?
If you write a book about dictionaries, then giving an illustrative example would be fair use, but using the work and money of those scholars and institutions that created the dictionary because you are unable or unwilling to find or create your own example sentences is copyright infringement.
What is a copyright material?
Copyright is a broad category that protects creators of: Literary, dramatic, artistic, musical works (e.g. book, letter, e-mail, blog, computer program, compilation, government publication, script, play, film, painting, sculpture, photograph, map, architectural drawing, sheet music, compositions, music video, etc.)
How do you cite a dictionary legally?
The citation should include the following:
- Title of entry (italicized or underlined)
- Title of dictionary (italicized or underlined)
- Edition.
- Year.
Which dictionary is public domain?
The Century Dictionary, 1911 is a public domain dictionary available as DJVU from www.global-language.com.
Can you use the dictionary as a source?
In most cases you should avoid using dictionaries and encyclopedias as cited sources in your papers.
Can English words be copyrighted?
For an original work to be copyrighted, it has to be in tangible form.32 This means that any speech, discoveries, musical scores, or ideas have to be written down in physical form in order to be protected by copyright.
Is Merriam Webster public domain?
In 1917, a US court ruled that Webster’s entered the public domain in 1834 when Noah Webster’s 1806 dictionary’s copyright lapsed.
Is a dictionary a legal document?
In legalese, a dictionary is a “secondary authority” in a case. Just as a congressional hearing could be used to better understand the intent of a specific law, a law dictionary can be consulted to enhance the meaning of a general word like malice or lawful.
Can dictionaries be copied?
The dictionary can also be copied using the = operator, which points to the same object as the original. So if any change is made in the copied dictionary will also reflect in the original dictionary.
Do you have to cite a dictionary as a source?
You do not always need to cite and reference a dictionary definition. Whether you need to or not will depend on the type of dictionary and/or how you are using the definition in your work.
What are not examples of copyrighted material?
Not Protected by Copyright:
Titles, names, short phrases and slogans; familiar symbols or designs; mere variations of typographic ornamentation, lettering or coloring; mere listings of ingredients or contents.
Which items are not copyrighted materials?
Items on-line that aren’t considered original work are blank forms, short phrases, names, titles, facts, and ideas. Original “non-copyrighted” ideas, facts, titles, names, short phrases and blank forms are not consider copyrighted material.
What types of materials have copyrights?
Copyright, a form of intellectual property law, protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture.
Do you need permission to quote a dictionary?
Yes, you can quote directly if you enclose it in quote marks. And if you do reword an existing definition, you should still cite it in most cases.
Can you cite dictionaries?
To cite a dictionary definition in APA Style, start with the author of the dictionary (usually an organization), followed by the publication year, the word you’re citing, the dictionary name, the publisher (if not already listed as author), and the URL.
How do you cite a dictionary without plagiarizing?
How do you avoid plagiarizing? Give the author of the material credit by ” documenting” or ” citing” your sources (terms which mean you credit your source). Give credit whenever you use a direct quote by placing it in quotation marks and giving the author credit.
Can I publish a dictionary?
Consider publishing online at Webonary.org1
Webonary gives language groups the ability to publish bilingual or multilingual dictionaries on the web with a minimum of technical help. First, Webonary requires lexical data to be in FieldWorks Language Explorer2 (FLEx).
Will Mickey Mouse enter public domain?
Mickey Mouse’s copyright is set to expire at the end of 2023—nearly 95 years after his first iteration, named “Steamboat Willie,” was created on October 1, 1928. This means that he will enter the public domain.