“Harry Potter” Author Wins Copyright Claims
My fellow readers, especially to those Harry Potter fans, do you know there is Harry Potter Lexicon website that provides everything about the novel?
An article from BBC news-Rowling wins book copyright claim, stated that J.K. Rowling, "Harry Potter" author has won her claim that a fan violated her copyright with his plans to publish a Potter encyclopedia.
Following the ruling, Ms Rowling said her legal action had meant 'to uphold the right of authors everywhere to protect their own original work' (BBC News.com 2008). 
The author, Steven Vander Ark had argued that 400-page Harry Potter lexicon was protected under fair-use provisions of copyright law (Indiaserver.com 2008). 
Also, RDR’s lawyer had defended that the lexicon as a reference guide and calling a legitimate effort. However, court held that the planned book infringed on Rowling's copyrights and could cause her irreparable harm.
Who is in the Right?
According to Reep (2006, p.41), copyright refers to 'the legal protection for the creators of original works'. She further mention that infringement of copyright occurs when someone utilise the original works of a creator for their own interest and benefit without permission (Reep 2006, p.41).
Under the fair use doctrine of U.S. copyright statute, it is 'permissible to use limited portions of a work including quotes, for purposes such as commentary, criticism, news reporting, and scholarly reports' (Copyright.com n.d).
Though, Rowling claimed the book is nothing more than a rearrangement of her own material and told the judge it copied so much of her work that it amounted to plagiarism.
My verdict
I personally think that we should have etiquette on publishing and respect others people masterpiece. According to Wikipedia (2009), copyright refers to'moral rights' of the originator of a work and the right to be credited for the work.
Therefore, Vander Ark should get permission from Ms Rowling in order to legally publish the content of Harry Potter on website. This is to avoid infringement upon Rowling's copyright and be etiquette in publishing.
References
BBC News.com 2008, ‘Rowling wins book copyright claim’, updated 8 September 2008, viewed 8 June 2009, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7605142.stm
Copyright.com n.d, Can I Use Someone Else's Work? Can Someone Else Use Mine? Viewed 8 June 2009, http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-fairuse.html
Indiaserver.com 2008, ‘JK Rowling Wins Harry Potter Lexicon Copyright Claim’, updated 9 September 2008, viewed 8 June 2009,
http://www.india-server.com/news/jk-rowling-wins-harry-potter-lexicon-3606.html
Reep, DC 2006, ‘Technical Writing: Principles, Strategies, and Readings’, 6th edn, Pearson Education, USA.
Wikipedia.org 2009, Copyright, updated 3 June 2009, viewed 8June 2009, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright
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