Warner Sues Indian Studio Over Harry Potter Similarities

Movie giant Warner Bros. are suing Indian studio bosses in relation to a movie
they believe infringes on the copyright of the HARRY POTTER franchise.

Warner Bros. filed a lawsuit against Mumbai-based studio Mirchi Movies, who
are set to release a film entitled Hari Puttar – A Comedy of Terrors, which
follows the life of a 10-year-old Indian boy who moves to Britain, on 12
September (08).

However, Warner Bros. believes the name is too similar to the title character
of the hugely popular wizard franchise, whose latest film, Harry Potter and the
Half-Blood Prince, has been pushed back for release until next year (09).

A spokesperson for Warner Bros. says, “We have recently commenced proceedings
against parties involved in the production and distribution of a movie entitled
Hari Puttar.

“Warner Bros. values and protects intellectual property rights. However, it
is our policy not to discuss publicly the details of any ongoing litigation.”

But Mirchi Movies bosses disagree there are any copyright conflict.

The studio’s CEO, Munish Purii, says, “… we registered the Hari Puttar
title in 2005, and it’s unfortunate that Warner has chosen to file a case so
close to our film’s release. In my opinion, I don’t think our title has any
similarity or links with Harry Potter.”

The case is due to be head in the Bombay High Court on 25 August (08).

(MJ/WNWA/PAW)