Russian book resembling 'Harry Potter' blocked

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands -- A Dutch court has blocked publication in the Netherlands of a Russian children's book that author J.K. Rowling said was too similar to her "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone."

The Amsterdam district court on Thursday ordered Dutch publisher Byblos to withhold 7,000 translated copies of "Tanja Grotter and the Magic Bass," by Dmitry Yemets, rejecting an argument that it was a parody of Harry Potter.

The court ruled that if released here, the story would violate registered copyrights and trademarks. The book already has sold more than 1 million copies in Russia.

Byblos has said it would appeal the decision. Owner Boudewijn Richel, unavailable for comment after the ruling, has said he would call expert witnesses to testify to the Russian work's originality.

Some similarities cited by Rowling between "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" and "Tanja Grotter and the Magic Bass": Harry rides a broomstick, Tanja flies a musical instrument; both have strange facial markings, are 10 years old and attend wizarding school where they become stars in a dangerous ball sport played midair.

Byblos acknowledged the Harry Potter story line had been used as a framework, but said the Russian book, which was set to go on sale next Tuesday, targeted an older audience that understands "subtle humor."

"Harry Potter has won and Tanja Grotter cannot be published in the Netherlands," said Rowling's Dutch lawyer Eric Keyzer in an interview. "We are especially happy that the court confirmed that this is plagiarism, that it's not a parody and that it's trademark infringement."

Thursday's ruling was also a victory for Time Warner Entertainment, a party in the suit, which made film versions of two Harry Potter books and sells Harry Potter dolls, videos and countless other memorabilia.

The fifth Harry Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," is due out June 21. The first four books of the seven-book series have sold 200 million copies in 55 countries, ranking among the most popular children's stories ever.