J.K. Rowling goes to court

[jademg]

J. K. Rowling goes to court

I love JK and her books, and the lexicon is an awesome internet presence, but I kinda feel like she's in the right here. I don't understand any other reason to publish the lexicon other than to make money. All the information is free on the web. Why publish? Especially since the material IS hers to begin with. I think it

Comments

[mellyg14]

I want to start by saying that I practice IP law, as well as a little bit of publishing

[earlylight]

interesting... good input

[jezzifishie]

I think part of the problem is that SVA has plagiarised Quidditch Through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts as well. http://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/new-york/nysdce/1:2007cv09667/315790/36/13.html

The link compares SVA's lexicon with QTTA and FB.

[lanie_lou]

You can't copyright ideas but you can copyright unpublished materials. I am fairly sure JKR has documentation of preexisting materials prior to creation of HPL that can be used to assert copyright.

[mellyg14]

The issue would then be whether SVA had access to it. Like I said, copyright gets tricky. I don't disagree with JKR, and I hope she wins, i'm just saying it's not as cut and dry.

[lanie_lou]

Oh I know, I just live with an IP attorney and hear way too much about it.

[mellyg14]

I am so sorry for you:P We are an irritating bunch, i'm currently writing bar review questions for a publishing company and making my significant other and his best friend come up with fact patterns. Poor guys:)