Well, the trial is “over” in that, no more evidence will be submitted or arguments made. Although, both sides will continue to file briefs, and the actual verdict isn’t expected for several weeks. So at least the crying on the stand parts of this story are done with.

Now I’m going to excerpt a bit of Neil Gaiman’s most recent journal post:

Lots of emails from people asking me to comment on the JK Rowling/ Steve Vander Ark copyright case. My main reaction is, having read as much as I can about it, given the copyright grey zone it seems to exist in, is a “Well, if it was me, I’d probably be flattered”, but that obviously isn’t how J.K. Rowling feels. I can’t imagine myself trying to stop any of the unauthorised books that have come out about me or about things I’ve created over the years, and where possible I’ve tried to help, and even when I haven’t liked them I’ve shrugged and let it go.

Given the messy area that “fair use” exists in in copyright law I can understand the judge not wanting to rule, and assume that whatever he says the case will head off to the court of appeal.

It goes on for a bit…I suggest that you read the whole thing.

Anyway, in a little while we’ll know which way the judge has ruled…and then whichever side loses will appeal, then we’ll wait a while for the appellate case, then that decision, then another appeal, then (I’m betting) the Supreme Court. My guess is that this will turn out to be one of the formative cases for Copyright law for the next 100 years.

Me First and the Gimme Gimmes – The Longest Time