For general theft of information:
* Plagiarism: This is the most common term, but it usually refers to stealing and passing off someone else's work as your own, not necessarily the specific information itself.
* Information theft: This is a broader term that can encompass stealing any type of information, including author's research, ideas, or even plot points.
* Data theft: This term is used when large amounts of data are stolen, which can be relevant if an author's work is in a digital format.
* Intellectual property theft: This term applies when the stolen information is protected by copyright or other intellectual property laws.
For specific types of stolen information:
* Idea theft: This is when someone steals an author's original idea or concept for a book, story, or other creative work.
* Plot theft: This refers to the theft of a specific plotline or storyline.
* Character theft: This involves stealing a unique character or character concept created by an author.
Legal implications:
* Copyright infringement: This is a legal term used when someone uses another's copyrighted work without permission.
* Breach of contract: If an author has a contract with a publisher or agent, stealing information could be considered a breach of contract.
The best term to use depends on the specific situation and the type of information that was stolen. It's important to be aware of the different ways in which information can be stolen from authors and the legal implications associated with such acts.