illegal copy

[/ɪˈliːɡəl ˈkɒpi/]
nounpl: illegal copies
cópia ilegal
1. An unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted material, software, documents, or other protected content made without permission from the copyright holder
The police seized thousands of illegal copies of the software from the warehouse.
A polícia apreendeu milhares de cópias ilegais do software do depósito.
2. A counterfeit or pirated version of a legitimate product distributed without proper licensing or authorization
He was caught selling illegal copies of designer handbags at the market.
Ele foi pego vendendo cópias ilegais de bolsas de grife no mercado.
In Brazil, illegal copies are commonly found in street markets and informal commerce, particularly for software, CDs, DVDs, and branded goods. The issue is significant in both Brazilian and American contexts, with strict anti-piracy laws enforced by authorities and intellectual property organizations. The term reflects ongoing tensions between copyright enforcement and informal economy practices in developing urban areas.
NYC Slang
bootleg
Synonyms / Sinônimos
pirated copyunauthorized copycounterfeit copybootleg copyfake copyillicit copy
Antonyms / Antônimos
legal copyauthentic copygenuine copylicensed copyauthorized copy

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
cópia ilegal
Standard term used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
cópia pirata / produto falsificado
Common colloquial usage
São Paulo
cópia não autorizada
More formal usage in business contexts
Portugal
cópia ilícita
Preferred legal terminology

Related Words

copyright infringementpiracycounterfeitingintellectual propertylicensingbootlegforgery

Related Idioms & Phrases

knock-off
hot goods
under the counter merchandise
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