In economics and business administration literature, K. Knight introduced the notion ‘bootlegging’ in 1967. Bootlegging is defined as research in which motivated individuals secretly organise the innovation process.

the act of making of transporting alcoholic liquor for sale illegally; "the Prohibition amendment made bootlegging profitable"

the act of selling illegally or without permission; "the bootlegging of video tapes is common in the Orient"

Unauthorized recording and selling of a song or music recording