Own Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Own, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Own?

To have legal ownership of something.A person maybe in possession of a property but that does not indicate ownership.

History and Meaning of Own

The concept of ownership dates back to the earliest forms of human civilization. In ancient societies, ownership was often based on possession and control of property, such as land or livestock. Over time, various legal systems developed to regulate ownership and protect the rights of individuals and their property.

In modern legal systems, owning something means having legal ownership and control over it. This can include a wide range of things, from physical property like real estate and personal possessions to intangible assets like intellectual property rights.

Ownership is often defined by the legal documents that establish it, such as deeds, titles, or patents. These documents provide evidence of ownership and can be used to protect the rights of the owner against other claims.

Examples of Own

  1. John owns a house in the suburbs that he purchased last year.

  2. Rachel owns the copyright to a novel she recently published.

  3. The company owns a fleet of delivery trucks that it uses to transport goods.

  4. Jack and Jill own a joint bank account together.

  5. The museum owns a collection of priceless works of art.

Legal Terms Similar to Own

  • Possession: having physical control or custody over something.
  • Title: a legal document that establishes ownership of property.
  • Property: anything that can be owned or controlled, including both physical and intangible assets.
  • License: a legal agreement that grants permission to use something owned by another party.