Rowling versus RDR Books

(Source: The Age)

If any book has created an unprecedented craze among readers throughout the globe, both young and old, it would be the Harry Potter series.

The series, about a young boy who discovers that he is from a wizarding world and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, is the fastest selling and most sold books after the Holy Bible.

According to BBC News (2007) the seventh book of the series, which is also the last, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, sold ‘11 million copies in its first 24 hours.’ The International Herald Tribune (2007) reported that Deathly Hallows became ‘the fastest-selling book in history …’

The Potter-mania have caused the bloom of countless fan websites where the Potter fans can interact with one another, discuss about the books and the characters and whatever not. One such website is the Harry Potter Lexicon, an online encyclopaedia about the series. JK Rowling, the author of the Potter series, has always been supportive with these websites.

The Lawsuit

(Source: ABC)

However, The New York Times (Rich 2008) reported that Miss Rowling and Warner Brothers have sued RDR Books when ‘it announced it was planning to publish a print version’ of The Harry Potter Lexicon.

The lawsuit was filed simply because ‘the book merely repackages Ms. Rowling’s work and, unlike the free fan sites is intended to make money for its publisher.’ (Rich 2008).

That is to say, they are suing RDR for the infringement of copyright. Vander Ark, creator of the website, said that ‘he had initially worried that a book might constitute copyright infringement’ (Rich 2008) but after he was given assurance by RDR that infringement would not occur, he decided to go for it.

Copyright

According to Reep (2006, p.41), copyright ‘is the legal protection fro the creators of original works …’ She asserted that infringement of copyright occurs when someone utilise the original works of a creator for their own interest and benefit without ‘getting permission …’ (Reep 2006, p.41).

It is unethical to use the works of a creator and publish it as your own. Copyright infringement is a serious matter that everyone should look into before they even decide to write something.

I am and will always be a hardcore fan of the Harry Potter books. And I have, over the years, visited other famous Potter fan sites such the “The Leaky Cauldron” and found it to be delightful.

However, when someone decides to manipulate the popularity of their website, which should totally be attributed to Miss Rowling, their intentions can only be classified as deplorable. As a fan, I would not only buy a book that could have infringed copyright laws, I would not visit the website.

The New York Times (Rich 2008) reported that Melissa Anelli, the Web master of the Leaky Cauldron, said ‘her board had voted to sever ties with the Harry Potter Lexicon site because of the lawsuit and comments Mr Vander Ark has made about it.’

References

Gibson, O 2006, Potter faces temple of doom, The Age, viewed 11 June 2008, < http://www.theage.com.au/news/books/potter-faces-temple-of-doom-as-j-k-rowling-hints-at-death/2006/06/27/1151174202000.html>.

Harry Potter' tale is fastest-selling book in history 2007, International Herald Tribune, viewed 11 June 2008, <http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/07/23/business/potter.php>.

Harry Potter finale sales hit 11m 2007, BBC News, viewed 11 June 2008, <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6912529.stm>.

Reep, DC 2006, Technical Writing: Principles, Strategies, and Readings, 6th edn, Pearson Education, USA.

Rich, M 2008, Rowling to Testify in Trial Over Potter Lexicon, The New York Times, viewed 11 June 2008, <http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/books/14potter.html>.