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July 9 – 16, 2009 Edition J.D. Salinger Wins Copyright Battle
NEW YORK, NY (AUTHORLINK NEWS, July 9, 2009)Literary icon J.D. Salinger won his law suit July 1 against the unauthorized publication of a sequel to his famous novel, THE CATCHER IN THE RYE. Judge Deborah Batts ruled that Fredrik Coltings 60 Years Later would damage the market for sequels and other derivative works by Salinger. The Judge barred publication of Coltings book in the U. S. marketplace, but it will go on sale in Europe sometime next week.
Swedish author Fredrik Colting, age 33, writes under the pen name John David California. He told the media that he was shocked at the ruling and will definitely file an expedited appeal with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court as early as next week. His attorneys expect a hearing in July or early August with a possible answer in September. Colting contends his work should be protected under parody and fair use laws. But the court disagreed.
CATCHER, the classic coming-of-age story of Holden Caulfield, has sold 35 million copies since it was released in 1951. Salinger reportedly has two more finished novels which have never been published. Through the years, he has fiercely protects CATCHER, declining TV and film offers, even from Steven Spielberg.
Should Colting prevail in an appeal, legal procedures may force the reclusive Salinger to choose between being questioned by the defense in a public trial or risk either having the court impose sanctions or even dismiss the case.
The US lawsuit has generated new interest in CATCHER. It is selling on the Internet for as much as $200 (£120).
Colting self-published 60 Years later through his own company, Nicotext, and its British arm Windupbird Publishing.
