Cryptomnesia
Unconscious Plagiarism
The instance of a forgotten memory returning without it being recognized as such by the subject, who believes it is something new and original.
Origin
The concept emerged in psychology and memory research, with the term describing a memory bias whereby a person falsely recalls generating a thought, idea, tune, or name without deliberately engaging in plagiarism. Cryptomnesia is more likely when cognitive load impairs source monitoring—people become less able to recall an idea's origin. The phenomenon gained prominence through George Harrison's 1976 copyright case: his "My Sweet Lord" was found to have "subconsciously plagiarised" the Chiffons' 1963 hit "He's So Fine." Judge Owen ruled the plagiarism "unintentional" because Harrison had internalized the music into his unconscious. Harrison paid $1,599,987. Neurologist Oliver Sacks later preferred "cryptomnesia" over "plagiarism," finding the latter "suggestive of crime and deceit."