Copyright infringment: using dictionary definitions
<p>I am planning to build an online web app and a mobile app for learning vocabulary.</p>

<p>Functions:
- User can create lists (eg. personalities, phrasal verbs etc.) and add words to the list with definitions.
- These list can be made public.</p>

<p>If users were to copy dictionary definitions, for instance Oxford or Cambridge) and make the word lists public, is it a copyright infringement? Am I responsible for this activity? Can dictionary owners charge me against copyright issue?</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>If users were to copy dictionary definitions, for instance Oxford or Cambridge) and make the word lists public, is it a copyright infringement?</p>
</blockquote>

<p>If the dictionary entries are protected by copyright then your user has infringed that copyright by posting the dictionary entries.</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Am I responsible for this activity?</p>
</blockquote>

<p>No. But you may be responsible for removing it if you get a request.</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Can dictionary owners charge me against copyright issue?</p>
</blockquote>

<p>If you follow the procedures outlines in the DMCA you can be protected from liability.</p>

<p>As described, that is copyright infringement. A specific word is not protected by copyright nor is the idea of its definition, but the actual expression of that definition is protected. However, protection is not permanent, and some versions of Webster's are in the public domain. In principle, one could find such a dictionary out there.</p>

copyright