J.K N WB File Suit Over Unoffical

Reuters is reporting that author J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros., makers of the Harry Potter films, filed suit today against a forthcoming unofficial encyclopedia book based on the Harry Potter series. Reuters reports the book, "The Harry Potter Lexicon," due to be released by RDR Books on Nov. 28 in the United States, had "inappropriately referenced Rowling's fictional characters and universe." The suit names the site owner, Steve Vander Ark, and several defendants, and is seeking "damages for copyright federal trademark infringement and any profits to be gained from the book." The suit, according to the article, states:

"The infringing book is particularly troubling as it is in direct contravention to Ms. Rowling's repeatedly stated intention to publish her own companion books to the series and donate proceeds of such books to charity."

The suit was filed today in federal court in Manhattan, NY. USA Today contains further information including a comment from RDR books publisher Roger Rappaport, who said the book was a "critical reference work" and "dismissed any notion that it could compete with any official encyclopedia written by Rowling." He also said that Vander Ark "cannot understand why she wouldn't be supportive now.' The article also says the suit "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.'"

CNN Money says that the suit claims, "Warner Bros. and Rowling's representatives have been " rebuffed and treated rudely" in their attempts to engage in a dialogue with RDR Books...For example, while claiming not to have the ability or time to respond to plaintiffs' multiple 'cease and desist' letters because of a family tragedy, defendant instead was hawking foreign publishing rights to the infringing book in Germany,' the lawsuit said."