We last told you that the WB/JKR vs. RDR Books case, in which WB and JK Rowling are suing a Michigan publisher over its attempts to publish a print version of The Harry Potter Lexicon, would next be updated on January 7, this coming Monday, when WB/JKR file their full petition for an injunction on publication. That date has now been changed to January 15. The change accommodates “various schedules,” according to WB’s lawyers.
The schedule is now:
January 15: WB/JKR file their “principal menmorandum of law and supporting papers.”
Febraury 5: RDR Books will submit its opposition and supporting papers
February 15: WB/JKR will file a reply on RDR Books’ opposition
February 28: Hearing will occur to decide on WB/JKR’s motion for an injunction.
We hope to have more information about this case over the weekend; in the meantime, the Stanford Law Group has joined the fray on RDR’s side, and other small details have emerged: There have been several documents filed arranging permissions for the Stanford Lawyers to practice in this case, which is filed in New York (this all seems standard and procedural). On Nov 28th, two letters from Dale Cendali (lawyer for WB/JKR) and one from David Hammer (lawyer for RDR) indicate that an attempt for a “discovery conference” was made and failed because parties have been “unable to agree to a discovery schedule in this case, or to resolve any of the preliminary issues raised.” These letters have been summarized but not posted publicly.
J.K. Rowling also discussed the writing of her encyclopedia on our Harry Potter podcast, saying that she absolutely intends to publish her own version, proceeds to go to charity, though it may be several years before she does so. “It’s about doing the absolute definitive, giving-people-everything guide,” she said.
You can read this article for a brief on the case so far against RDR/the Lexicon, the latter of whom is a partner site of the Leaky Cauldron.
Even if RDR wins the case and the Lexicon can sell its book (which probably won’t happen) I wouldn’t buy it anyways. I’d much rather have an official encyclopedia straight from Jo.
Hmm. After reading the USA Today article (linked from this posting from Leaky) describing the reasoning behind Stanford Law Group’s decision to represent RDR, I wonder if WB/JKR might lose this lawsuit should it proceed to court? I mean, “CliffsNotes” exist, so why couldn’t a print version of the Lexicon? Just being a devil’s advocate. Sorry if I’m reiterating anything already debated in earlier comments.
Posted by Sparkers_and_Ned on January 05, 2008, 06:20 AM
report to moderator
::Sigh::
We’re getting back into that gray area again. At this point I don’t think that RDR will win. Even with Stanford Lawyers. After all, if they are using the “cliffs notes” defense then there is a lot of stuff in this book that is original discussion about the hows and whys of the books. Editorials almost, from what I recall reading in High School (which was almost 10 years ago). I will admit my law info is almost nil so I am probably wrong.
However if these are editorials about the characters motivations and goals, along with the ‘encyclopedia’ did Steve write them? If not, if they are discussions that other fans have posted, does the Lexicon have a disclaimer saying that anything added to the sight becomes Steve’s property?
I guess I’m just rambling again, but every time this gets brought up it just seems to be a hornets nest. This seems like it’s gonna get worse before it gets better.
Cliff’s notes and Spark notes offer a lot of analysis and commentary along with their summations. If we are to believe RDR that the content of the Lexicon book is word-for-word from the site, then none of that is relevant to the Lexicon case.
As said before not like Lexicon is giving us new information. All it does is put in the information of what J K Rowling has already told us.
Why would people want to buy the book that is clearly not going to be complete because there is still loads of information coming out from J K Rowling about the books, so basically it is the Lexicon up to a certain date.
Why would people buy the book when basically the site is free to look at, or is Steve closing down his site.
And yes, we’ve been down this road many times folks – RDR books admits that all the book does is repackage Jo Rowling’s words without adding anything new to the picture. They will not get away with profiting off of that. Oy.
I want the lexicon to win. i think steve vander ark should be allowed to publish it, because he isn’t giving any new information, but Jo’s encyclopedia is giving new information. so i don’t think that steve’s encyclopedia would take away any of the profits Jo’s encyclopedia will make.
i’d buy both of them. i really don’t understand why they’re being so funny about it, it’s already on the internet, so why not publish it?
Your right ismss and Amy S, I’m just remembering the discussion from the original posts about the lawsuit. I forgot that RDR admitted the book was more or less a repackage of Jo’s words.
Sorry bout that, my memory isn’t the greatest out there.
Now I admit I could be wrong, but I believe the difference is that Steve would be profiting from the sale of the book. The Lexicon on the net is free, we as individuals do not need a subscription to view it’s content. However, to have a copy of the book we would need to pay X amount.
I hope this book doesn’t get published. The next thing, we’ll be publishing fanfics for profit. The Lexicon, as fanfics, as fansites are just this… stuff for the fans benefit. It’s not nice to try and take money from them.
"You ever thought of a career as an Auror, Potter?"[br]"No," said Harry, taken aback.[br]"You want to consider it," said Moody, nodding and looking at Harry thoughtfully.
Even if RDR wins the case and the Lexicon can sell its book (which probably won’t happen) I wouldn’t buy it anyways. I’d much rather have an official encyclopedia straight from Jo.