Pirates
/ˈpaɪrɪts/
Definitions
- (n.) Persons who commit acts of robbery or criminal violence at sea without authorization from any nation.
The pirates attacked the merchant vessel in international waters.
- (n.) Individuals who engage in unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted material.
The company sued the pirates for illegally distributing its software.
Forms
- pirate
Related terms
See also
Commentary
In legal contexts, 'pirates' can refer both to sea robbers under admiralty law and to infringers in intellectual property law; context determines the relevant application.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.