Translation guide
The legal right to control the use and distribution of a creative work. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the noun 著作権 (chosakuken).
著作権
copyright
Referring to the legal protection of a work, such as a book, song, or software.
The standard term for copyright. Used in legal, business, and everyday contexts.
この曲には著作権があります。
This song is copyrighted.
著作権を侵害してはいけません。
You must not infringe copyright.
An older term for copyright, now less common. Still seen in some contexts, especially related to publishing.
版権は出版社が所有しています。
The copyright is owned by the publisher.
Describing a work as copyrighted or stating that copyright applies.
Literally 'has copyright'. The most natural way to say something is copyrighted.
この画像には著作権があるので、無断使用はできません。
This image is copyrighted, so you cannot use it without permission.
More formal: 'protected by copyright'. Common in legal or official statements.
この作品は著作権で保護されています。
This work is protected by copyright.
Referring to the © symbol or a copyright notice.
Means 'copyright notice'. Used for the text or symbol indicating copyright.
ウェブサイトの一番下に著作権表示があります。
There is a copyright notice at the bottom of the website.
The copyright symbol is universally recognized and used in Japan as well. Often accompanied by the year and rights holder.
© 2023 田中太郎
© 2023 Taro Tanaka
Referring to the person or entity that owns the copyright.
The copyright holder. Neutral and commonly used.
著作権者の許可が必要です。
You need permission from the copyright holder.
More explicit: 'copyright owner'. Slightly more formal.
著作権所有者に連絡してください。
Please contact the copyright owner.
The act of violating copyright.
The standard term for copyright infringement.
著作権侵害は法律違反です。
Copyright infringement is against the law.
The action of securing copyright for a work.
To obtain copyright. The most natural way to express the act of copyrighting.
彼は新しい小説の著作権を取得しました。
He copyrighted his new novel.
The loanword コピーライト is sometimes used in the phrase コピーライト表示 (copyright notice), but it is not used as a standalone noun for the legal right. Stick with 著作権.
この曲は著作権で保護されています。
This song is protected by copyright.
著作権者は誰ですか？
Who owns the copyright?