Copyright infringement occurs when an individual or entity uses, copies, distributes, adapts, publicly displays, performs, or creates derivative works from a copyrighted work without the permission of the copyright owner. This unauthorized use breaches the exclusive rights granted to the copyright holder over their original work. Key points about copyright infringement include:

• It can happen with any original work fixed in a tangible form, such as music, movies, literature, art, or software.
• The infringement may involve copying a substantial and qualitatively important part of the work, even if it is a small portion, as long as it is distinctive or essential.
• Infringement can be either intentional or unintentional; even inadvertent copying can be subject to claims.
• Permission can be granted through licenses or legal arrangements, and lacking such consent typically constitutes infringement.
• Common examples include unauthorized sharing or distribution of music, movies, text, or images.
• Proof of infringement usually involves establishing ownership of the copyright, that the alleged infringer had access to the work, and that the work was copied.
• Copyright protection arises automatically when the work is fixed in a tangible form.

Thus, copyright infringement occurs any time copyrighted material is reproduced, distributed, performed, displayed, or adapted without authorization from the copyright owner, infringing upon their exclusive rights.