Kasutusõigustus

Kasutusõigustus refers to the legal justification or authorization for the use of something, particularly in the context of intellectual property or copyrighted material. It establishes the basis upon which an individual or entity can legally employ a work without infringing on the rights of the creator or owner. This justification can arise from various sources, including licenses, permissions, or specific legal exceptions.

In intellectual property law, a common form of kasutusõigustus is a license. A license is a formal agreement that grants specific rights to use a copyrighted work, such as software, music, or literature, under defined terms and conditions. These terms might include limitations on the scope of use, duration, or the number of users. Without a valid license, unauthorized use of copyrighted material constitutes infringement.

Beyond explicit licenses, kasutusõigustus can also be derived from legal doctrines. For instance, fair use or fair dealing provisions in copyright law allow for limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. These exceptions are designed to balance the rights of copyright holders with the public interest in the free flow of information and creativity. The specific criteria for determining whether a use qualifies as a legal justification vary significantly by jurisdiction. Establishing kasutusõigustus is crucial for avoiding legal disputes and ensuring compliance with intellectual property regulations.