Hypothetical: What happens if the agent that distributed the code to the public wasn't authorized to do so? My view is that GPL infringements are no different

Hypothetical: What happens if the agent that distributed the code to the public wasn't authorized to do so? My view is that GPL infringements are no different than regular copyright infringements—the owner of the copyright is entitled to damages awarded by a court or an out of court settlement of some kind. This may or may not include GPL'ing the derivative work.