Copying Someone Else's Work from Another Dimension?

While it's strange and a somewhat unbelievable concept, I have learned that works like stories and art in another dimension are not protected by copyright unless they are here in this dimension. I copied somebody else's work from said dimension, and plan on publishing it, but I'm not exactly sure the legal ramifications that could happen to me. In a sense, it is mine, because another work like mine doesn't exist in this universe, and it is original content (in this universe). Unless I cross over to the other side, I wouldn't really be stealing somebody else's work, right?

Basically, is it okay to plagiarize work that originally didn't originate in your own universe?

I take it you're referring to works which exist within other works, because otherwise I have no idea what you're talking about.

Or is it a situation that one of your characters finds themselves in in the story and you're wanting an idea of how it would play out?

I do assume that you are asking if it is fine to have an in-story-universe element that is not original but rather copied from another work.

And the answer is a tentative "yes".

There is a line between plagiarising something and making a reference. Learn how to see that line and make sure you are on the proper side of it, and you should be fine.

That being said, it is possible that you are indeed asking what you appear to be asking, in which case I'll answer that murdering someone in another dimension probably won't have any consequences in your dimension, so it's not as much a question of legality as it is a question of whether or not you have a way to protect yourself from the person from another dimension who wrote the work originally.

edited 24th Feb '15 1:15:06 AM by Kazeto

First things first, I personally wouldn't be okay with it because...what are you doing. That's not yours. Your creativity would shrivel if you kept getting completely finished works from other people and passing it off as your own. Your muse would know that you cheat. If you were inspired by some part that you read in the other dimension, but can't allude to it because it doesn't exist to your audience, so you copy the relevant parts for commentary and context, that's a gray area.

As for whether you can get legally away with it? It depends on the treaties between dimensions. I'd definitely recommend consulting with a lawyer first who specializes in interdimensional copyrights and patents.

edited 24th Feb '15 7:30:20 AM by Faemonic

In and of itself, it's fine. Since the work doesn't exist in your home universe, nobody can get you for plagiarism. And if the person in the original universe doesn't crossover, there's nobody to use you.

Having said that, there are things to consider. How legal was your trip to the other universe? Did you break any laws on the other side? Most people won't know. But you know who will? The Men In Black. Now, you won't be breaking any inter dimensional laws by publishing the work, but you will be attracting a lot of attention to yourself and you best be prepared when two men in suits show up at your door.

Why are you only stealing stories? Why not steal something more exciting, like the designs for an working infinite energy machine, or the formula for Plasmids?

I want to shoot bees from my wrists, damnit!

edited 24th Feb '15 4:11:27 PM by Tungsten74

I'd rather have lightning. I'd be unstoppable if I go to jail.

Sorry to dissapoint you. But that's not how copyright law works.

I doubt a judge would buy this "another dimenssion" thing.

But if the judge didn't accept the work was from another dimension, wouldn't that mean there's no proof of plagiarism?

Nope. You would have to prove your claim that came from "another dimension". Something the claimanant will be more than happy to point out... if you convince a lawyer to take your sci-fi defense that is.

The judge only makes the choice.

I am sorry.