fair use

noun

: a legal doctrine that portions of copyrighted materials may be used without permission of the copyright owner provided the use is fair and reasonable, does not substantially impair the value of the materials, and does not curtail the profits reasonably expected by the owner

Examples of fair use in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the coming years, this will be critical to ensure fair use of aerial imagery and AI, while also protecting homeowners, delivering fair premiums and better protection. David Tobias, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024 However, the company claimed that was legal under fair use. Justin Curto, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2024 The companies have fought back, arguing that the AI songs are fair use. Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2024 According to the Foundation, the authorization fell under the purview of fair use. Patricia Failing, ARTnews.com, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fair use 

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fair use was in 1847

Dictionary Entries Near fair use

Cite this Entry

“Fair use.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fair%20use. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Legal Definition

fair use

see use sense 2

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!