Legal Definitions - Ownership

Ownership is the legal right to use, possess, and give away something. It can be tangible, like personal property and land, or intangible, like intellectual property rights.

• Property:Complete ownership of property includes the right to possess, enjoy the use of, and dispose of it. For example, if you own a house, you have the right to live in it, rent it out, or sell it.
• Property tax: Ownership for property tax purposes means you have the right to use and enjoy the property, including the right to pass it on to others. For example, if you inherit a piece of land, you become the owner and have to pay property taxes on it.
• Copyright: Ownership of a valid copyright can be established by proving the originality and copyrightability of the material and complying with statutory formalities. For example, if you write a book, you own the copyright and have the right to publish it and make money from it.

These examples illustrate how ownership gives you certain rights and responsibilities over something. When you own something, you have the right to use it, enjoy it, and dispose of it as you see fit. However, you also have the responsibility to take care of it and follow any laws or regulations that apply to it.