ChiefNode

History is not copyrightable

One to watch: Potential lawsuit regarding a movie coming out this summer, "Kingdom of Heaven." A book author claims the movie is substantially similar -- and that the screenwriter had access to the book. Question is really, what part of history is copyrightable? Here is the potential plaintiff's answer:

"History is not copyrightable," Mr. Plonsker said. "But if the manner in which you tell about a historical event is a particular expression of character or sequence of events, that is copyrightable. If you can show that the defendant had access and that the works are substantially similar, which is the legal standard, then you can win."

I'm having a hard time buying it, myself. We'll see if they file suit. Watch & wait.

posted by Dana Bostrom @ 20:34