©️
Copyright Symbol
KOP-ee-rite
Definitions
1
Legal · Symbol
Common
A symbol indicating that content is protected by copyright law, signifying exclusive legal rights to reproduce, distribute, or display creative work.
Used in formal contexts to mark copyrighted material or jokingly to claim ownership of casual content.
My new photography website is finally live! All images ©️ 2023 Jane Smith Photography.
Professional website footer
This cookie recipe is so good, I'm claiming it ©️ me forever!
Instagram caption
While primarily a legal symbol, it has evolved into casual digital communication to playfully claim ownership of ideas or content.
2
Digital · Humor
Uncommon
Used ironically or humorously to claim ownership of jokes, phrases, or ideas in informal digital communication.
Often used with humor to 'claim' concepts that aren't legally copyrightable.
That's my signature dance move ©️ don't steal it lol
TikTok comment
Represents digital culture's playful approach to intellectual property concepts among younger users.
Evolution Timeline
2010
Symbol transitioned from purely legal contexts to casual digital communication
Rise of social media content creation and sharing
Cultural Context
The symbol represents the digital transformation of legal concepts into casual communication, where users playfully appropriate formal language.
Younger generations use it ironically, while older generations tend to use it only in its literal, legal context.
Regional Variations
United States
Commonly used in both legal contexts and casual digital communication, with strong awareness of intellectual property rights.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Primarily used in professional contexts; less likely to use in casual communication
Gen_Z: Often used ironically to 'claim' memes, jokes, or phrases; part of internet humor culture
Older: Rarely used outside of formal legal contexts or business documents
Millennials: Used both seriously in professional contexts and humorously in social media
Common Combinations
©️™️
Emphasizes legal protection of intellectual property with both copyright and trademark symbols
Used in formal business contexts to indicate comprehensive legal protection
©️😂
Jokingly claiming ownership of something humorous
Used to playfully 'copyright' a joke or funny comment