infringed
v.v. to break a law, a rule, or someone's legal rights. It is often used when a company uses another company's idea without permission.
v. to encroach upon or violate a legal right, a law, or an agreement. Transitive — requires a direct object, typically an abstract noun like 'rights', 'copyright', or 'patent'.
The new law infringed on the citizens' right to privacy.
The court ruled that the tech company had infringed the inventor's patent by using the same software code.
Legal experts argued that the proposed surveillance measures significantly infringed upon individual liberties without providing a clear benefit to public safety.
Often used with the preposition 'on' or 'upon', though it can also be used transitively without a preposition.
The company infringed the rule of the game.The company broke the rule of the game.Infringe is specifically used for legal rights, patents, or formal laws rather than general rules of games or social conduct.