Fictitious entry

A “fictitious entry” is a term used to describe false or made-up information intentionally included in reference works, maps, and various other publications. This tactic is commonly employed as a copyright^[1] trap to detect plagiarism and copyright infringement. Examples include fake words in dictionaries like ‘Esquivalience’ in The New Oxford American Dictionary, or invented locations on maps, known as phantom settlements or trap streets. Fictitious entries have also been used in hoaxes and practical jokes, often to deceive readers for amusement. In a more serious context, these entries have been the subject of legal disputes, with cases such as Feist v. Rural and Nesters Map & Guide Corp. v. Hagstrom Map Co. highlighting their significance in copyright law. Furthermore, they have been used in tech industry cases and academic scrutiny checks, emphasizing their widespread application and relevance.