Legal Definitions - like

When used in a legal context, the term like describes something that is either identical or so substantially similar to another that it warrants the same legal treatment, classification, or consideration. It signifies a high degree of correspondence in essential characteristics, quality, quantity, or purpose.

• Example 1: Exact Correspondence

  A manufacturing company has two separate contracts with different suppliers for the exact same raw material, specifying identical quality standards, delivery schedules, and pricing terms. If a dispute arises regarding the quality of the material, the legal team might refer to the contracts as having "like" provisions.

  This illustrates like because the two contracts are identical in their essential terms and conditions, meaning they correspond exactly in their legal effect regarding the supply of materials.

• Example 2: Substantial Similarity in Character or Purpose

  A local zoning ordinance might state that a small art gallery and a boutique clothing store are considered "like" commercial uses for a particular district. This means they would be subject to the same regulations regarding operating hours, signage, and parking requirements.

  Here, "like" indicates that while an art gallery and a clothing store are not identical businesses, they share a substantially similar commercial character and impact on the neighborhood, justifying their classification under the same zoning rules.

• Example 3: Similar Legal Treatment

  In intellectual property law, if a company develops a new software application that performs the same core functions and has a very similar user interface to an existing patented application, a court might determine that the new application is "like" the patented one, potentially leading to a finding of infringement.

  This example demonstrates "like" because the new software, despite not being an exact copy, is substantially similar in its functionality and appearance to the patented product, making it subject to similar legal scrutiny regarding patent rights.