Comments on: Rowling Sued Over Plagerism Allegations

By: Alexian

Alexian — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:19:49 +0000

Yeah, JK Rowling was able to transform a 30 or so page story into a story of over hundreds of pages. Yeah, that makes perfect sense. But seriously, there is a lot more text in the HP books than the claimant's book. I would have to surmise that some form of overlap of ideas is almost inevitable.

Just because a there are a few overlaps, it doesn't necessarily mean the two works are thoroughly and consistently similar to each other.

It's possible that both works could have drawn inspiration from an earlier source. It may just be a coincidence. Or, the similarities could have been understated or overstated.

From what I know, though I'm not an expert, anti-plagiarism regulations and copyrights do not necessarily protect ideas. Rather, the expressions of ideas are protected.

Ancient sources like the Iliad and the Odyssey are considered to be public domain.

Sometimes, I wonder what the ancient writers-such as Homer-would think of today's writers.

Would someone like Homer consider them to be original?

Imagine if the contemporary concept of Copyright existed since ancient times, and those ancient copyrights were legally binding for thousands of years.. What would writing and literature be like today? Just a thought.

By: Doug

Doug — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 18:07:27 +0000

Well, Ms. Rowling has made oodles of money and oodles of money attract parasites the way roadkill attracts vultures. You can't copyright ideas.

By: Geek Radio Daily » Blog Archive » Geek Radio Daily June 18th 2009

Geek Radio Daily » Blog Archive » Geek Radio Daily June 18th 2009 — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:18:31 +0000

[...] Rowling Sued Again [...]

By: Frank

Frank — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:03:57 +0000

Reminds me of a series of Comic Books that came out before either of these series called Books Of Magic. DC Comics should sue both of these people for ripping off their idea.

By: Sharon E. Dreyer

Sharon E. Dreyer — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:59:41 +0000

Exactly how many years have the Harry Potter series of books been published? Well then, guess it's never too late to file suit! Check out my first and recently released novel, Long Journey to Rneadal. This exciting tale is a romantic action adventure in space and is more about the characters than the technology.

By: Matt McCabe

Matt McCabe — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:00:04 +0000

I agree with Lejon. Of COURSE a magic world would have a magic prison. All you have to do is check the list of frequently used fantasy and science fiction plots and you'll have lots and lots and lots of old ideas. I think the King James estate should also sue, since Harry was brought back from the dead.

By: Keith

Keith — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:52:08 +0000

how long has this legal suit been building? if it's all-of-a-sudden I'd have to say SHADY but if it was shortly after the popularity of the 1st book I might not think the estate is just trying to go for a cash cow.

By: Lejon from Chandler

Lejon from Chandler — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:34:08 +0000

Well, lets see, kids being transported to a magical world through some mundane device to where magical creatures exist. Yep, those books are identical. I'm surprised no one noticed it. I guess we'll see the estate of C.S. Lewis is going to be getting involved in this one, too.

By: The Tentacled Monkey» The Tentacled Monkey

The Tentacled Monkey» The Tentacled Monkey — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:13:13 +0000

[...] from Slice of Scifi by Michael Hickerson [...]