Misappropriation

In law, misappropriation is the unauthorized use of another's name, likeness, or identity without that person's permission, resulting in harm to that person. Another use of the word refers to intentional and illegal use of property or funds; it can particularly refer to when done by a public official. In criminal law, misappropriation is the intentional, illegal use of the property or funds of another person for one's own use or other unauthorized purpose, particularly by a public official, a trustee of a trust, an executor or administrator of a deceased person's estate or by any person with a responsibility to care for and protect another's assets (a fiduciary duty). Depending upon the jurisdiction and value of the property, misappropriation may be a felony, a crime punishable by a prison sentence. In scientific research, misappropriation is a type of research misconduct. An investigator, scholar or reviewer can obtain novel ideas during the process of the exchange of ideas amongst colleagues and peers. However, improper use of such information could constitute fraud. This can include plagiarism of work or to make use of any information in breach of any duty of confidentiality associated with the review of manuscripts or grant applications. Misappropriation can have very serious consequences, including imprisonment, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record.