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Business Ethics. The case The Harry Potter Lexicon is about a legal dispute between Steve Vander Ark and J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter book series. Steve Vander Ark created the Harry Potter Lexicon which is basically an onlin

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Introduction

CaSarah Severs Business ethics Paper #1 September 13, 2011 "The Harry Potter Lexicon" INTORDUCTION The case "The Harry Potter Lexicon" is about a legal dispute between Steve Vander Ark and J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter book series. Steve Vander Ark created the Harry Potter Lexicon which is basically an online summary of what happens in the book series. The case references Wikipedia which states that the Lexicon lists "characters, places, creatures, spells, potions, and magical devices." When the Lexicon was first created Rowling had no problem with it, in fact she thought it was a wonderful idea and even referenced the site on several occasions. However when RDR books offered Vander Ark a publishing contract to put out a printed version of the Lexicon, Rowling along with Warner Bros., the producers of the Harry Potter movies, filed a suit against Vander Ark and RDR Books. Rowling is against the publishing of the book because she doesn't want Vander Ark and RDR to succeed financially from her hard work. ...read more.

Middle

The decision of whether or not to consider self-interest is s moral dilemma the judge will need to overcome. STAKEHOLDERS There are a number of stakeholders involved in this lawsuit including Steve Vander Ark, RDR Books, J.K. Rowling, the federal judge, and the general public. Depending on the outcome of the lawsuit Vander Ark and RDR Books could be affected financially; they could lose the possibility to make a large sum of money. In winning the case they would be able to publish and sell the book with the potential to make huge financial gains. In losing the case they will not be able to publish the book and therefore will lose that opportunity to sell the book. The lawsuit and its outcome could also affect the reputations of RDR Books and the judge. When it comes to RDR Books their reputation could be damaged through publicity. If they lose the case many authors could view it as bad publicity for RDR Books and therefore not want their name associated with the publishing company. ...read more.

Conclusion

I also want to point out that although Warner Bros. is involved in the lawsuit I don't think they are stakeholders. I don't think that the outcome of this situation will directly affect them in any way. SOLUTIONS One solution for this case is for the judge to rule in favor of Steve Vander Ark and RDR Books allowing them to publish the Harry Potter Lexicon as a book without it being copyright infringement. Another solution is to rule in favor of Vander Ark and RDR Books allowing them to publish the book but requiring that a portion of the profits made be paid to Rowling. A third solution, the exact opposite of the first, is to rule in favor of Rowling and Warner Bros and not allow the book to be published and have it remain as an internet web site only. A fourth solution, similar to the last, is to rule in favor of Rowling and Warner Bros by not allowing the book to be published but also making Vander Ark take down the internet site by concluding that the Lexicon, in its entirety, is copyright infringement. ...read more.

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