Useful Information: Process & Procedures, Overviews & Forms: Powell Goldstein LLP, Law Firm

Useful Information: Process & Procedures, Overviews & Forms

She Who Shall Not Be Infringed - 09/08
September 19, 2008

John C. Bush
Eric P. Schroeder

A federal district court has ruled that an unauthorized fan encyclopedia compiling and describing characters, concepts and events in the “Harry Potter and . . .” book series violates author J.K. Rowling’s copyrights in the works. The ruling, coupled with a similar ruling concerning attempts to capitalize on the Seinfeld television series, makes clear that authors and copyright owners have significant control over who may exploit and profit from the use of their characters and storylines in other mediums and markets.