unjust enrichment

noun

unjust en·rich·ment

Legal Definition of unjust enrichment

1 : the retaining of a benefit (as money) conferred by another when principles of equity and justice call for restitution to the other party also : the retaining of property acquired especially by fraud from another in circumstances that demand the judicial imposition of a constructive trust on behalf of those who in equity ought to receive it — see also quasi contract sense 1 at contract

2 : a doctrine that requires an equitable remedy on behalf of one who has been injured by the unjust enrichment of another