Word
secure rights
Definition
fixed phrase. to successfully get the legal permission to use, show, or sell something like a book, movie, or song.
fixed phrase. to obtain legal authorization or ownership regarding intellectual property or usage permissions. Often used in legal, commercial, or creative contexts to describe the successful negotiation of licensing or copyright.
Examples
“The studio managed to secure rights to the popular novel.”
“After months of negotiation, the documentary filmmaker finally secured rights to use the archival footage.”
“The publishing house moved quickly to secure rights for the global distribution of the memoir before competitors could submit their bids.”
Examples
simple
“The studio managed to secure rights to the popular novel.”
contextual
“After months of negotiation, the documentary filmmaker finally secured rights to use the archival footage.”
complex
“The publishing house moved quickly to secure rights for the global distribution of the memoir before competitors could submit their bids.”
Usage
usually followed by 'to' or 'for' plus a noun phrase representing the intellectual property.
Teaching tip
focus on the verb 'secure' as a formal synonym for 'get' or 'obtain' in a competitive or legal context.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/secure-rights