The suit, filed Wednesday by the author and Warner Bros. in federal court in Manhattan, claims that RDR Books will infringe on Rowling's intellectual property rights if it goes ahead with its plan to publish the 400-page "Harry Potter Lexicon" on Nov. 28.
According to the publisher, the book contains much of the same material already found on http://www.hp-lexicon.org, a fan-created collection of essays and encyclopedic material on the Harry Potter universe, including lists of spells and potions found in the books, a catalog of magical creatures, and even a "who's who in the wizarding world."
In the past, Rowling has expressed support for such fan-driven efforts and has singled out the Harry Potter Lexicon Web site and its editor, Steve Vander Ark, for high praise.
But in the lawsuit filed on Halloween Rowling claimed that the print version of the Lexicon would improperly interfere with her plans to write her own definitive Harry Potter encyclopedia, one that would include new material not in the novels.
"I cannot, therefore, approve of 'companion books' or 'encyclopedias' that seek to pre-empt my definitive Potter reference book for their authors' own personal gain," Rowling said in a statement, released by Warner Brothers.
RDR Books Publisher Roger Rapoport said the suit dismayed him but vowed that he wouldn't allow it to block plans to release the Lexicon next month.
He described the book as a "critical reference work" and dismissed any notion that it could compete with any official encyclopedia written by Rowling.
Rapoport said Vander Ark was a middle school librarian who started the Web site in his spare time in 2000, then watched its popularity grow to the point where Rowling herself gave it a Fan Site Award in 2004.
"He cannot understand why she wouldn't be supportive now," Rapoport said.
Warner Bros. has also involved Vander Ark in its Potter marketing campaigns in the past. An interview with Vander Ark is even slated to be included in the special features section of the next Harry Potter DVD, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix."
An e-mail seeking comment that was sent to Vander Ark at an address provided on the Web site was not immediately returned.
The lawsuit doesn't seek action against the Web version of the Lexicon, but criticizes it for numerous sections that it said "regurgitate Ms. Rowling's original creative expression with minimal additional commentary."
Source: www.cinema-pedia.com
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Rowling Sues to Block Harry Potter Book
Swanson Skates on Assault Charge
It was withdrawn Wednesday in the Ontario Court of Justice at the request of a prosecutor, according to the Crown attorney's office and Swanson's lawyer.
"The Crown and I worked together in the best of all parties to resolve the matter," Swanson attorney Constance Baran-Gerez said.
"I am thrilled and excited that the charge has been dropped," Swanson said. "This never should have happened and our family can move on."
Assistant Crown Attorney Jennifer Ferguson said through a spokeswoman that she could not comment on the case.
The case stemmed from a confrontation between Swanson and the ex-wife of her boyfriend and skating partner, Olympic medalist and former world champion pairs skater Lloyd Eisler. Swanson, a 37-year-old former Playboy model who starred in the 1992 film "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," was arrested in June in Kingston, Ontario. She was charged with assaulting Marcia O'Brien, Eisler's ex-wife.
At the time, Swanson claimed she was the victim. Swanson said she had accompanied Eisler on a scheduled visit to see his two young children when O'Brien attacked her in front of the children, leaving her with a bruised knee and a scratched arm.
No charges were filed against O'Brien.
Eisler, a 44-year-old former world champion pairs skater, met Swanson last year on the Fox show. He eventually left his pregnant wife. He has a baby boy with Swanson.
Source: www.cinema-pedia.com