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‘Harry Potter’ book dispute lands in U.S. court

Author’s estate claims J.K. Rowling lifted elements for her book

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BRENNAN
Jill Connelly  /  AP
Millions of dollars are at stake in the lawsuits on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean focusing on “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” which first hit books stores in 2000.
updated 7/15/2010 9:46:01 AM ET 2010-07-15T13:46:01

LOS ANGELES — The battle between Willy the Wizard and Harry Potter has moved to U.S. shores.

The estate of Adrian Jacobs, who authored the 1987 book "The Adventures of Willy the Wizard," has filed a lawsuit in New York district court against Scholastic Inc., publisher of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." The lawsuit claims that J.K. Rowling misappropriated copyrighted elements from Jacobs' book.

The estate filed a similar lawsuit last year in England against Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, the UK publisher of the Harry Potter franchise.

  1. Wild About Harry
    1. Harry Potter’s world
      Image: EMMA WATSON , DANIEL RADCLIFFE , RUPERT GRINT

      More of Harry Potter's wonderful world of wizardry.

    2. Harry, Ron and Hermione look-alikes

Jacobs estate trustee Paul Allen said in a statement the estate is contemplating legal action in key territories worldwide and the "USA being the world's largest market for Potter books means that our first overseas action is brought here in America."

The plaintiff is seeking an injunction against further sale of the "Goblet" book, destruction of remaining inventory of the books, and profits from lucrative sales.

Copyright 2012 Thomson Reuters. Click for restrictions.
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Video: Inside ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’

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    >>> at universal orlando resort , checking out an exciting new edition to universal resorts "the wizarding world of harry potter ." i think he's standing by the hogwart's express, right, harry?

    >> i am not in orlando. i'm at hogwarts station. as a mugle i'm at hogs meade's station. this harry potter is coming to life right here. of course, be if you're going to experience all of this, the first thing you need to do when you come here, of course, is go to honey duke's. i'll pick up your chocolate frog and then next door we've got zonko's joke shop. inside zonko's joke shop, how about extendible ears or boxing telescope? all the little key word that is really have come to life here. and so many people imagine the movies, the movies that are the harry potter series here have grossed more as a series than any other movie, 400 million books sold in 200 countries and territories. it is a remarkable phenomenon. matt, as you know, we are here for a very extraordinary reason, aren't we?

    >> absolutely, kerry. nice job there. by the way, when that exhibit opens, when that traction opens in the spring, your child's class can actually be there for all the festivities. all you have to do to get details on how that can happen is go to our website at todayshow.com. that will be a lot of fun for some very lucky young people .

    >> all i want is the

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Photos: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

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  1. The Hogwarts Express arrives in Hogsmeade Station at Universal Orlando Resort's Wizarding World of Harry Potter. As guests enter Hogsmeade, they are greeted by the iconic, smoke-billowing steam engine, made famous in the Harry Potter books and films for transporting students to a world of magic and wonder. (Kevin Kolczynski / Universal Orlando) Back to slideshow navigation
    Related video Radcliffe: Fans will love theme park
  2. As guests pass through the arch into Hogsmeade at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, they can explore the cobbled streets of the highly themed environment, and will encounter iconic locations from the Harry Potter books and films, like Ollivanders and the majestic Hogwarts castle. (Kevin Kolczynski / Universal Orlando) Back to slideshow navigation
    Related video Grint: Harry Potter theme park better than sets
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    Visitors stroll the streets of Hogsmeade in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando theme park. The attraction opens to general admission ticket holders on June 18. (John Raoux / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  4. Members of the Hogwarts Choir sing for guests. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter features multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant. (John Raoux / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  5. A clerk, right, at Ollivander's Wand Shop, helps visitors pick out a magic wand. Park guests will have plenty of opportunities to shop for wands, broomstics, scarves and more. (John Raoux / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  6. Mounted on the wall of the Hog's Head pub is the hog's head, which will come alive and puff its jowls at visitors. Adjacent to the Three Broomsticks, the Hog's Head pub is where guests can enjoy a cold Butterbeer, pumpkin juice and other beverages. (Kevin Kolczynski / Universal Orlando) Back to slideshow navigation
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    The entrance to Hogwarts Castle is seen at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. (John Raoux / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  8. Hogwarts Castle is seen at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Construction of the park was overseen by the production manager from the Harry Potter movies. (John Raoux / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  9. The office of headmaster Albus Dumbledore is intricately displayed at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. J.K. Rowling, author of the Potter books, is a stickler for details, and Universal worked hard to get her OK on the park's attractions. (Kevin Kolczynski / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  10. Guests will pass by the regal Griffin statue on their way to Dumbledore's office. (Kevin Kolczynski / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
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  11. Just like the Harry Potter films, portraits line the walls of Hogwarts castle, the home of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. When passing through the Portrait gallery, guests will encounter several magical talking portraits created exclusively for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including the four Hogwarts founders. (Kevin Kolczynski / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  12. An authentic replica from the Harry Potter films, guests will pass by Hagrid's hut on their way to the Flight of the Hippogriff family-friendly roller coaster. Just before they board, Hagrid instructs guests on how to properly approach and fly on a Hippogriff. (Kevin Kolczynski / AP) Back to slideshow navigation

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