Legal Definitions - ad infinitum

Ad infinitum is a Latin phrase meaning "without limit" or "endlessly." In a legal context, it describes something that continues indefinitely, without a specified end date or termination point.

Here are some examples of how "ad infinitum" might apply:

• Perpetual Easement: Imagine a property owner grants a utility company an easement to run water pipes across their land. If the legal document states this easement is granted ad infinitum, it means the utility company's right to access and maintain those pipes on that specific portion of the land continues indefinitely, without an expiration date, and binds all future owners of the property.

  This illustrates "ad infinitum" because the right to use the land for the pipes does not expire; it continues forever, or until legally terminated by other means.

• Indefinite Contractual Term: A software company might offer a "lifetime license" for its product, which legally means the user has the right to use that specific version of the software ad infinitum. Unless the terms specify conditions for termination (like breach of contract), the license does not need to be renewed and theoretically lasts forever.

  Here, "ad infinitum" signifies that the contractual right to use the software continues without a predetermined end date, granting usage rights indefinitely.

• Perpetual Trust: In some jurisdictions, a trust might be established with provisions intended to last ad infinitum, meaning the assets within the trust are managed and distributed according to its terms for an indefinite period, potentially across many generations. While often subject to rules against perpetuities, the intent of such a trust is to operate without a final termination date.

  This demonstrates "ad infinitum" as the trust's duration is designed to be endless, continuing its purpose and administration indefinitely into the future.