Here's an article detailing the lawsuit between Dan Browns book "Da Vinci Code" and the the authors of the book, "Holy Blood, Holy Grail".
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11675821/site/newsweek/from/RL.1/
"Da Vinci Dode" is one of the top-selling books of all times, selling approx 40 million copies worldwide since it came out in 2003. Soon, it will be at the top with "The Godfather", "The Exorcist", and "Gone with the Wind". There is also a movie that is supposed to be opening in May. However the ongoing lawsuit might delay the movie from coming out this summer.
Writers that put time and effort into their work, will usually conduct research, using many different resources available to them; the internet, other books, videos, etc. Yes, plagarism is wrong and needs to be stopped if it does occur, but this lawsuit is not about plagarism, its about writing a 'fictional' book using 'nonfictional' material. The author of "Da Vinci Code" does not deny reading the book. He stated that he had read that book and numerous others while conducting research. The ideals in the claimants book are too general to be thought of as their own.
In the newspaper article states, "British copyright expert Robin Fry believes Brown's clear acknowledgment of the book helps the defense. 'He's not seen as a duplicitous criminal infringer,' says the lawyer, who has no role in the case. 'He is just seen as someone who openly has acknowledged and used sources in the same way as people have done for centuries.'". As stated, throughout the years, numerous other authors have done the same thing. The outcome of this case may cause an eruption of more cases where another writer believes someone used their book for research.
The prosecution will present its closing argument Monday 19MAR06, with a verdict possible next week.
The clear reason why the authors of "Holy Blood, Holy Grail", are charging Dan Brown is simple, money.
What is happening to our world?
----Sarge----
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I was in awe when I heard about this lawsuit and I honestly think it's ridiculous. The people should have spoke up after the book did so well and should not have waited until a movie was coming out. That just makes it seem a little fishy in my opinion
Slate did a great story on this. It should be a simple case, you can't copyright a fact.
This is not TRUE! It is was a hoax by 3 men and when they did their research they saw that fact. It was only fact to 3 people.Research is research and fact is fact, gathering information isi not a problem until you found something from another person and didn't give them the credit.