fair use

American  

[fair yoos] / ˈfɛər ˈyus /

noun

1. reasonable and limited use of copyrighted material so as not to infringe upon copyright.

   The artist's biographer claimed fair use of quotes from unpublished personal letters.

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Etymology

Origin of fair use

First recorded in 1840–45

Example Sentences

The results of two cases suggested that training AI on copyright material might be fair use in some circumstances, in large part because it is considered transformational.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

For their part, AI firms often argue their work is covered by the American copyright loophole of "fair use", which does not require rightsholders' consent.

From Barron's • Oct. 30, 2025

On 21 May, during Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir was asked whether Connolly's imprisonment was an "efficient or fair use" of prison.

From BBC • Aug. 21, 2025

Among judges who have pondered the issues, the tide seems to be building in favor of regarding the training process as fair use.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 25, 2025

They find the analogy of fair use to a public road ludicrous.

From The Public Domain Enclosing the Commons of the Mind by Boyle, James