JKR/WB vs RDR Books Trial: Statements Regarding Ruling
News
Since the opinion earlier today in which Judge Patterson ruled in favor of J.K. Rowling and Warner Brothers, the following statements have been issued.
From J.K. Rowling:
“I took no pleasure at all in bringing legal action and am delighted that this issue has been resolved favourably. I went to court to uphold the right of authors everywhere to protect their own original work. The court has upheld that right.
The proposed book took an enormous amount of my work and added virtually no original commentary of its own. Now the court has ordered that it must not be published.
Many books have been published which offer original insights into the world of Harry Potter. The Lexicon just is not one of them.”
All Leaky coverage of the trial of JKR/WB vs. RDR Books can be found here.
From Warner Brothers
“We are obviously pleased with today’s ruling by Judge Patterson supporting the position that the proposed lexicon book infringes on Ms. Rowling’s rights. As a content company, it is imperative that we work vigorously on all fronts to protect the intellectual property rights of those who create the stories and characters, words, pictures and music that entertain and benefit the worldwide audience.”
Finally, CNNMoney has the response from RDR Books:
“We are encouraged by the fact the court recognized that, as a general matter, authors do not have the right to stop the publication of reference guides and companion books about literary works. As for the Lexicon, we are obviously disappointed with the result and RDR is considering all of its options, including an appeal.”
Well said, Jo. Congratulations.