A single mother from the United Kingdom was planning to have a Harry Potter-themed party this weekend to celebrate Halloween. Instead Ms. Marmite Lover will have to change things up a bit.
Last Friday, she received a cease-and-desist letter from Warner Bros. suggesting that her "proposed use of the Harry Potter properties...without our consent would amount to an infringement of Warner's rights."
Ms. Lover was looking to charge a small entry fee (as she has for other themed parties), but says that no harm was intended. She set up a small site to purchase tickets online.
"My living room holds under 30 people, this is hardly some cynical money spinning exercise – at a maximum of 25 British pounds a head I won't make a profit, I'll be struggling to cover the costs of the ingredients and props I've shelled out on, such as dry ice and miracle berries."
Warner Bros. said they do not, of course, object to her holding a generic wizard/Halloween night and that is what Ms. Lover has been forced to do.
What do you think of this? Should Warner Bros. be shutting down Potter-themed Halloween parties? Or is Ms. Lover in the wrong?
Posted by Micah
10-26-2009
at 3:48 PM
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Fan Comments |
Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 15:50:45
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 15:52:17
ya i cant see anything either...
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 15:54:55
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Posted by: (MuggleNet) - Posted on: 2009-10-26 15:57:03
Should be working now. Sorry about that. Our news system doesnt seem to like the British pound symbol.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 15:57:13
Hit the link button if u cant see it.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:00:24
How can she NOT make a profit off of nearly $41 US dollars per person?! Thats definately fishy. EMERSON FOR A WALK ON ROLE IN DEATHLY HALLOWS!! WOOT!
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:00:40
Wow, is it because they had to pay to get in? They already sell costumes and amongst other things on WB, so it couldnt be costumes and the other stuff?
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:01:21
I think WB is getting a bit tochy
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:05:28
Thats ridiculous, WB is just being stupid.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:10:16
Is WB serious? I understood the RDR book trial but this is a bit much. WB you dont own the world! Try doing something nice and getting the fans back on your side.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:13:03
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:13:34
This is undoubtedly the most ridiculous thing I have EVER heard. Screw you WB! Remember when Harry Potter was the most successful movie franchise of all time? Who do you think shells out all that money? THE FANS!!! Get real. I hope Ms. Lover has a Harry Potter party anyway and just keeps it on the DL.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:14:49
This is undoubtedly the most ridiculous thing I have EVER heard. Screw you WB! Remember when Harry Potter was the most successful movie franchise of all time? Who do you think shells out all that money? THE FANS!!! Get real. I hope Ms. Lover has a Harry Potter party anyway and just keeps it on the DL.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:15:21
well said pieps! I completely agree
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:15:54
It seems to me that a small (!) royalty would indicate a happy agreement between the hostess and the studio.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:16:16
Wow this is soo DUMB! Ms. Marmite is right to charge ppl because it does COST money to put on a party... especially an elaborate one!! Im throwing a halloween party this year too and i asked my guest too all chip in because the cost alone for a party in general is insane for just one person! I think WB needs to take a chill pill on this one....its just a party (and for only one night) its not like shes publishing the books under her name or making a spin off film with the same titles...grow up WB!
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:16:18
Wow this is soo DUMB! Ms. Marmite is right to charge ppl because it does COST money to put on a party... especially an elaborate one!! Im throwing a halloween party this year too and i asked my guest too all chip in because the cost alone for a party in general is insane for just one person! I think WB needs to take a chill pill on this one....its just a party (and for only one night) its not like shes publishing the books under her name or making a spin off film with the same titles...grow up WB!
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:16:23
It seems to me that a small (!) royalty would indicate a happy agreement between the hostess and the studio.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:16:27
Wow this is soo DUMB! Ms. Marmite is right to charge ppl because it does COST money to put on a party... especially an elaborate one!! Im throwing a halloween party this year too and i asked my guest too all chip in because the cost alone for a party in general is insane for just one person! I think WB needs to take a chill pill on this one....its just a party (and for only one night) its not like shes publishing the books under her name or making a spin off film with the same titles...grow up WB!
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:21:17
WB is being wayy too stupid. -_- Its not like shes claiming she wrote the books.... But I do think she was going to charge too much, but WB is still being idiotic.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:23:26
They had every right to request that she stop using the Harry Potter name, they own the rights to it. She was not holding a theme party for friends she was selling tickets to the general public for her party. She would be making money, even if it were a small amount, and using the HP name would drive the ticket sales when it was not licensed by HP or WB. There is a good chance that people who attend the party could go after WB if they arent happy with the HP aspects of the party. Fans or not, she is making money off the Harry Potter franchise and that is illegal.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:26:52
First of all... Marmite Lover??? LMAO!
WB need to get a life. People hold HP parties all the time - they do it because theyre FANS!
It seems WB is trying to lose fans. If they keep this up, no-one will be discussing HP out of fear of getting sued.
Then WB would lose money.
Theyre fools, and they need to loosen up. Not everyone is out to make a profit - tons of fans just want to have fun! And dont WB have enough money already?
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:29:41
While technically Ms. Lover is in the wrong (in the laws eyes), Warner Bros. did not have to send her a cease-and-desist letter. Im kinda curious to what she purchased thats making her charge $40 for 30 or less people...
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:29:43
I think thats ridiculous!( depending on how much US money that would be)
Anyone know?
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:33:08
Heres my thing if you can not cover the cost of putting on the party in the first place you have no business putting on the party. Pay admission to go to a private party I think not. However a party put on in a professional business, to me total different. You put on parties because you want to for the fun of it. Not to make money or to make back the money you spent. Would you charge friends and family for a party you put on for a Birthday or some family and friend celebration? I think not. S far as WB is concerned yes they have every right. copy right is copy right that is why there are laws. Anyway, this is petty and as with the guy with the name Harry Potter get a bridge and get over it. Dont complain to Muggle Net. To dumb petty reports, is this all they have to offer?
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:35:32
I think this is pretty stupid. As far as charging people to get in, I dont think it should be mandatory for the guests to pay. I have been to some parties that they ask for your financial help *but, come to think of it, it was a block party for well over 500 people!* but I certainly wouldnt expect my guests to shell cash out. Like Roxy said, if you cant cover your own costs, dont have the party.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:40:00
This is so not fair !! theyve gone crazy !! I can have a HP themed party if I feel like it !! Ill even invite my whole school !! haha
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:42:42
just for this, Im gonna have a HP themed party....and WB cant stop me.
Seriously WB = Warner Bros? More like WB = Whiney B!tches
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:50:17
They didnt go after her for just having a Harry Potter themed party, it was the fact that she was making people pay to attend the party and using the Harry Potter name and franchise to sell her tickets.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:52:24
WOW, sorry, i think the first crime she committed was trying to charge her friends for a party! that is so tacky i dont even know where to begin. WB def over-reacted considering the small size and private manner of the party, but wow does that woman lack social graces. Roxy2005 is right, you put on parties for the fun of it, not to make your friends pay for your own extravagance! and she set up a site to sell tickets?? lol what a moron
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 16:56:52
thats awful!
a harry potter halloween party wouldve been AWESOME.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:01:40
It it is truly a shame that Warners Bros. cant even allow the fans, who brought about the interest in making films in the first place, to celebrate the series we love so much.
Lets hope they dont hear about the one me and my group of friends is throwing...
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:02:50
That is ridiculous. Its not as if she was planning on remaking any of the movies. It was just a party. So stupid.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:03:54
Okay, 21 pounds is a bit much for 30 people, but WB is being ridiculous!
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:07:17
I think WB is taking it a little too far. I doubt shes the first and I know she wont be the last to throw a Harry Potter themed party. How did WB even find out about it? I wonder if one of the kids mothers got upset that she was charging them and reported her to WB. lol.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:09:28
The way to do a party is announce you are having a costume party. If some people show up in Harry Potter gear, then no one can complain. But, if you say, "I am having a Harry Potter theme party" and charge people, then it is infringement of copyright laws. This law is not easily understood by people. You can have a Halloween party, and not tell people how to dress. If they show up in Harry Potter attire, then its o.k. And you cant charge admission.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:09:45
All I have to say: Warner Brothers, really though??
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:14:17
I have to agree with Siriusfan on this, the price to get in is too high just to cover the costs. Forty bucks/25 pounds per person for thirty people? She needs to spend $1200/750 pounds for dry ice? Shes obviously making some kind of profit, in which case WB has every right to sue. Im not saying that theyre not being sort of ridiculous, but its perfectly legal.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:14:26
This is greed on the part of WB. Her hosting this party in no way diminishes their ownership of the movie rights at all. It does not infringe on their rights to sell or market the movie. Their cease and desist does, however, infringe on the rights of the consumer to enjoy the property in a non-threatening way that may actually lead to increased sales for WB. Instead they are hurting their fan base and insulting us. 24 pounds does sound like quite a bit, but if she really is going all out, I can see ingredients and decorations costing that amount. In which case she probably isnt making more than a handful of bucks off this, if anything at all.
Id be willing to be that this party could fall under fair use. Especially if any monetary gain is negligible. If WB gets away with this, they will try to push further against fans and will do this more often. I think a letter writing/emailing campaign wouldnt be amiss here. Let WB know how you feel about this. Shes bought the officially licensed products and decorations most likely which means WB made their money. Now shes trying to recoup her costs. WB has no complaint here. Besides, JK Rowling owns the ultimate copyright to the work so if they arent showing the movie then the WB really has nothing here at all.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:15:32
I think its more obvious than ever that Rowling made a mistake selling the rights to WB...
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:23:11
Whatever...WB has done a wonderful job with the films. And I agree, sometimes theyre a little extreme, but they need to be or all kinds of Harry Potter craziness will be going on. If they dont crack down on things like this then other people will try to throw HP parties or sell HP merchandise that hasnt been approved. Its all about protecting the name and the quality of Harry Potter. We dont want it to become ridiculous. If theyre not careful the next thing we know there will be Expelliarmus body glitter or Harry Potter lipgloss. We dont want that cheesiness.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:23:30
Come on guys, cut em some slack...I mean WB is struggling pretty badly. Its not as though they just released a HUGE movie this year, and this movie that they didnt release after a years postponement didnt make $22.2 million in one showing at midnight in the U.S. alone...and it CERTAINLY hasnt made over $900 million worldwide. No, this studio is definitely on the rocks. Its not like theyve made the highest grossing movie franchise in history, totaling over $5 billion dollars. Nahhh, they NEED that 25 pounds per person dressing up in Harry Potter costumes that they didnt make... >:o .
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:27:15
BTW, doesnt the name, "Marmite Lover" sound totally fake or is that just me???
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:29:41
We didnt get to hear WB side of it, theres not much of a choice to make based on the information given.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:31:43
thats really dumb.its just a halloween party!!! they should just let her throw the party!
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:31:43
thats really dumb.its just a halloween party!!! they should just let her throw the party!
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:32:33
Okay, WB can go to hell. Why dont they just demand royalties every time we say "Harry Potter"? Theyve managed to alienate more and more fans with every action they make. What the hell Jo was thinking when she gave them the rights, Ill never know. This is just another slap in the face to the fans, many of us still recovering from the travesty of HBP.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:33:09
I totally agree with mycroft16. WBs should be ashamed!!! I really hope JKRowling also expresses her disgust at this decision.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:33:33
Ms Marmite Lover isnt a fan putting on a party for her friends. WB would have no issue with fans putting on a themed party for their friends to attend. She runs a business called the Underground Restaurant where she puts on various themed dinners in her home. These dinners are advertised for the general pubic to purchase tickets to attend. For Halloween she decided to put on a Harry Potter themed dinner. If a regular restaurant decided to have a Harry Potter themed party they would be expected to get permission from WB to do so, and as this woman advertises herself as a restaurant (albeit an underground one) she should be doing the same thing. She is advertising and charging people to get in, so what happens if you, as a fan, pay good money to go to this thing and it turns out to be crap? The only reason you went was because it was promoted as a Harry Potter event. WB have a right to not only protect their copyright, but to also ensure that anything advertised as relating to their product maintains certain quality standards.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:33:37
I think WB is being just slightly ridiculous, but I also think charging people to go to a local part is equally ridiculous. Its a weird situation O.o
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:43:14
Emersons county fair got away with some very sketch HP themed rides that I am sure were overpriced (as fairs always are). those were funny. but who on earth charges admission for a party? if you cant pay for a party yourself, dont have a party. its very tacky to make friends pay.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:45:25
what the hell? shes hosting a party! its not like shes re-selling the potter franchise to gain profit! shes just charging admission to cover costs, not to make money! and shes not selling warner bros. products. WB is making a big deal out of nothing. this isnt a public party. she has every right to a harry potter themed party as long as shes not re-selling stuff to the public.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:46:31
I think some people are kind of missing the point. Others clearly are not and have explained the issues quite well, but I will add my own thoughts to this.
Of course you can have a Harry Potter themed party. (I have been to some myself). And I would even guess that WB would be happy that youre having one. What you cant do, is make money off of a Harry Potter party - or off anything else related to Harry Potter.
J.K. Rowling created the Potter universe, and WB purchased the rights to it, so they get to make money of it. If you are not Jo Rowling or WB, then by all means, celebrate Harry Potter, have a party with your friends - or strangers, dress up, make Harry Potter-themed cakes... whatever you want to do! But you dont get to charge admission!
Is that confusing?
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 17:48:43
I think WB should keep up with what they are doing. If you dont protect your properties you lose them. WB is doing what has to be done.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 18:00:16
I really cant stand WB. Who the F*ck cares is shes having a Potter themed get together?!?!?!? Its not like WB, or JKR for that matter, is going to be needing food stamps anytime soon. Greedy bastards.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 18:04:56
I think its fair for her to charge a small fee. Buying supplies for any party will cost more than just a few bucks especially a Harry Potter themed one. WB has no right to tell her no or ask for a commission since it is on a small scale. However she shouldnt have advertised it so much and she could have had her party.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 18:17:35
Dear WB:
Please remove the stick from your ass. Promptly.
Thanks,
The rest of the world.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 18:19:25
that lady is crazy, WB would have not done anything if it wasent the fact that shes charging. Why is she making a party if she cant pay for it! And regardless of what she says shes still making a profit! unless shes buying the most expensive candles she can find!
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 18:21:07
I dont understand whats wrong with her having the party. Is it because she shouldnt make people pay. Or is it because WB want part of the small profit. They are being greedy and overly emotional. Thats like throwing a Disney Themed party and Disney getting all upset because Im using their ideas. WB please just mind your own business and just let people do what they want to do.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 18:22:10
This is UNHEARD OF... Last week my college Ohio State University held a HARRY POTTER THEMED Party, where they had "Weasleys Wizard Wheezes", "The Three Broomsticks", and "Honeydukes" and they had snacks and costumes... not to mention Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans. they basically had everything! PLUS, they played Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince for "Flicks for Free" event.. Oh NO! I guess WB is gonna SUE us too for not being original, LMAO! Get REAL! Every School does this too, so what makes that woman in Britain any different???
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 18:22:11
This is UNHEARD OF... Last week my college Ohio State University held a HARRY POTTER THEMED Party, where they had "Weasleys Wizard Wheezes", "The Three Broomsticks", and "Honeydukes" and they had snacks and costumes... not to mention Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans. they basically had everything! PLUS, they played Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince for "Flicks for Free" event.. Oh NO! I guess WB is gonna SUE us too for not being original, LMAO! Get REAL! Every School does this too, so what makes that woman in Britain any different???
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 18:22:30
Thats ridiculous! Are they going to start charging people extra money or suing them for wearing Harry Potter costumes? There are plenty of people who hold Harry Potter themed parties, birthday parties not excluded. I understand they want to protect it, it is copyrighted, but its just a party! Maybe she should just charge them for drinks or something...or get people to pitch in to pay for her dry ice and decorations. If these people are coming, they could help. Its basically the same as having people bring their own beverage. The WB needs to settle down, its not like shes stealing the idea, shes not the first to do it.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 18:32:25
I have to say that it was an impractical thing to send the woman a cease and desist letter. But, Warner Bros. was simply stopping something illegal.
I did a little reading on the subject, and as it turns out, this was not just a regular house party. The reason she charged money is because this was a sort of underground restauraunt. Sort of like a home business/home based restaurant. Ive heard of those before, and it is perfectly normal to charge money. Though in this case, she would have had to ask permission from Warner Bros. seeing as she charged money on something affiliated with the Harry Potter name.
If it were a regular house party, then it would certainly be rude to ask for payment. But it was a restauraunt open to the general public.
Also...Ms. Marmite Lover?!?
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 18:33:10
Wow, WB really really needs to take the stick out of their a**, because that is absolute BS.
WB is just starting to take things a little too far...
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 18:36:53
Read the comments before you post, this woman is running a BUSINESS hosting parties, not for friends but to make money. WB is doing the right thing keeping her from doing this because if they let her do it then they can lose the ability to successfully keep other people from making money using the HP name and likenesses.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 18:40:00
My first gut reaction would be, "DIE, WB, DIE!", but seriously people. Unless your transforming your house into the Great Hall, what the heck are you spending (about) 1200 dollars on? Sure, you have food, drink, plates, and some decorations, but 1200 seems a BIT much for that. Especially because shes had themed parties in the past, right? Im sure some of the props could be transfered to LOOK like theyre from HP. She seems to just be whining a bit too much to me.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 18:42:12
Okay, does anyone think this is a hoax? I mean, Ms. Marmite Lover? WTF??? For anyone who doesnt realise, marmite is a yeast spread people put on their toast and sandwiches... erm... The first thing I thought when I read this is that the whole thing is a prank.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 18:51:58
AzG is absolutely correct. WB definitely has the right to do this. Her saying shes not gong to make a profit is complete BS. Shes lucky they didnt out right shut her down, which is what I honestly think they should have done. Its really not the fact that the party was Harry Potter themed, it was the fact that she was going to make money off of the Harry Potter name brand, and the quality of the party could have reflected badly upon it.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 18:53:00
Wow thats madness! I suppose maybe they have to do this because of laws and whatnot with the way she charged money to get in...but it is definetely ridiculous. Its dedicated fans like her that make the movies so successful :P
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 18:53:22
I think that if she wants to have an HP party, then more power to her. Perhaps instead of charging an entrance fee she can try to ask for donations to cover costs.... I have had several HP parties myself and they are a BLAST!!!
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 18:53:56
Once again WB surprises us all with the extent of their beleif in their own Harry Potter market monopoly. Youd think they had learnt their lesson back in 2000/2001 when they were sending C&Ds to kids who built Harry Potter fansites and attracted criticism from the media. But alas.... their stupidity continues to astound me. For the last time WB: we, the fans, are your source of income. How about some cooperation? Secondly, this woman is completely within her rights to run a non-profit Harry Potter get-together. Quit policing the world already. Insanity is defined as repeating the same behaviour over and over again expecting different results.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 18:54:43
Come on WB? Shes just having a HP themed party! I had one when i was eight! Seriously??
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 19:02:36
Well, Im sorry for her and doubt she meant any harm. Still, theres something not quite right, to my way of thinking anyway, about throwing a party and then hitting up your guests for cash to cover your expenses. Thats not a party. Thats a paid event, and you cant earn money off someone elses property.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 19:02:54
a lot of people seem to be objecting to the lady charging to come to the party... why is that such a big deal! its the same as having a super bowl party and telling everyone to chip in $5 to help cover the cost of pizza and beer.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 19:08:24
Heres the kicker: Im sure she bought actual Potter products for her party, thus giving royalties to WB since they hold the rights to the franchise. So WB made money off of her little gathering. Then they decided to send her a letter saying she cannot have the party (probably spending hundreds in legal fees) because she was infringing on their rights to the Potter name, so in the end its WB lost out on this little shindig, seeing as they spent more on lawyers than they made in profits from Potter themed napkins and magic wands.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 19:15:58
I dont know copyright laws well enough to comment fully. But I think people should be allow to have HP themed parties as long as they arent charging people to atend. If they ask for people to help pay for the party to be put on and not call it a "cover charge" or anything of the like and have them be able to atend with or without paying then I think they are within the law but I know charging people for something like that is a be nope with copyright stuff. In other words I need more details, but if its a free party for friends and famiyl I think people should be aloud to do it.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 19:29:36
lamesauce.......... wb is stupid
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 19:33:09
Ms. Lovers idea is great.
But we already knew it, WB only thinking is all about Money...
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 19:33:16
What, does April Fools Day come twice a year? "Marmite Lover"??? Come on!
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 19:39:42
I mean, it is a bit strange to be charging people for her own party... but that doesnt mean WB should change the theme. She wasnt being paid for HP merchandise, and it wasnt like random people were showing up- she was getting some friends together!
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 19:43:10
You can buy HP themed plates, cups, etc. for birthday parties. Are those considered HP themed parties? If so when is WB going to put a stop to little kids having a HP party. WB needs to back off before they lose fans. They have made enough money from the movies they need to let the fans enjoy all things Potter.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 20:01:20
WB is kind of protective of HP, and its just a Halloween party!!!!!!!!! And 2 b honest, I would probably not pay 25 British pounds 4 just a HP party unless it was extremely extravagant.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 20:13:34
Okay, I understand the whole WB going after her because of putting it on a website and charging money. That is kind of odd ... ask donations in the invites, duh. But as for saying NO HP PARTY specifically? I think WB is a greedy bastard and that it needs to take the numerous sticks out of its butt.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 20:22:44
Why would WB not want her to do that? I mean, if its advertising Harry Potter than they should be happy about it. They just have to make sure Ms. Lover doesnt make Harry Potter look bad at the party.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 20:23:04
This is just plain dumb. They sell Harry Potter themed party supplies at just about every party store Ive ever been in since the movies hit the theaters. If WB doesnt want people to have HP themed parties, maybe they should stop the decorations from being sold too.
Charging admission is a little weird, but certainly isnt unheard of. I think she should do it anyway and just sell the tickets at the door. I have a hard time picturing any WB lawyers showing up at her door and closing down a party and getting all that bad press with kids crying and stuff like that.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 20:49:35
"cover charges" are different from "profit." You can charge for entry but not actually make any money, just break even. This seems to be the case here: the woman said she would not be profiting from the event. In a copyright dispute, the law takes into account the commercial nature of the infringing use. In this case, the woman makes NO PROFIT. If she was profiting from the party, WB would have a case and this whole incident would be a completely different story.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 21:00:42
seems kinda petty to me.... one would think that WB had bigger fish to fry... though of course they have the legal rights to make her change it, though i see no reason for it, cause they wont be losing any money to her, even if they decide to throw a party of their own... this just makes them look like a big corporation trying to ruin a harmless party....
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 21:08:47
@
Posted by Kigurumix
"They had every right to request that she stop using the Harry Potter name, they own the rights to it. She was not holding a theme party for friends she was selling tickets to the general public for her party. She would be making money, even if it were a small amount, and using the HP name would drive the ticket sales when it was not licensed by HP or WB. There is a good chance that people who attend the party could go after WB if they arent happy with the HP aspects of the party. Fans or not, she is making money off the Harry Potter franchise and that is illegal."
I have to agree with you it seems many people on here do not know what it legal and what is not. I think most of you need to take up business law to know that what this woman is doing is illegal. First of all she is not doing a small party for friends she actually set-up a website so people can buy tickets to come this party. She is making a profit by using the Harry Potter name. It is like making T-shirts with harry potter logos and images and selling them, yet you dont own the rights to the name and want to make money of someone elses hard work? I dont think so. I just think this woman thought she would get away with it and I am glad WB did something to stop it, because then you will see others following in her footsteps and charging for something they have no rights to.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 21:28:52
Before anyone else baws that WB suxxorz for haxing this ladys party, think about this: How would you feel if someone else made money off your intellectual property? Even to cover costs, its still a breach of copyright to expect profit. If she had gone the right way and asked for donations to cover the costs of her expenditures, and made sure not to make a profit off of it, it would have been in the right (as far as I know, anyone is free to correct me on that).
I think she no longer has a HP party. Enjoy your C&D Letter.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 21:49:23
She should have known better.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 21:52:13
Im with WB on this one. Im sure they wouldnt have had a problem with it if it was JUST a small party for 30 people, but I have a feeling thats not the whole story. And she was also charging for attendance. No one does that if its only 30 people attending. And the original story I heard said that the party was a huge blowout and everyone in the neighborhood was invited. Thats the ONLY thing that makes sense. The party would have to be big enough to attract WBs attention.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 21:55:26
Its a themed party. They could take her to court and it would go no where. Its one thing if here restaurant were to be harry potter themed full time but there are millions of bars who do themed nights on a monthly basis. You dont need permission to do it, and the judge would laugh his/her a** off if they seriously did anything.
If you need permission for that, then you would need permission for "Metallica Tribute Night" at local music bars, or for the Simpsons themed party that was at a bar near my house not 3 weeks ago.
You dont need permission, she should just do it anyway.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 22:00:25
To Kigurumix, no there is no chance at all that anyone could go after Wb if they didnt like the party or something happened to them. Its not officially licensed by Wb, so they hold zero responsibility.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 22:14:58
Okay is Warner Bros. hurting for money?? Its just a party and yes it can cost one a lot to throw a party. Themed or not! Its just a bunch of people coming together and having fun. As far as we all know theyre not trying to make a new movie out of it or anything. So in this "wizards" opnion yes Warner is going way to far in asking Ms. Lover to change her whole party plan. Think about this. Warner emplyee wants to throw a party with some small theme to it. Would they also get an order telling them that they cant because Warner may or may not own the rights to it? My guess is most likely not. See its good enough for them but not for the rest of us that just want to have a little fun. My advice to the Warner co, get a life, get over it. Futher more if they dont want nice folks like us to have Potter parties then stop selling Potter party items in stores. You can go to ANY Party Depot and find some sort of Harry Potter themed item. I also have a House tie... so does that mean everytime I wear it I have to give Warner money?
Long Live the DA!!
Oops I think I owe them $5.00 for saying that.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 22:16:28
Hey Warner Bros.
Why are you interfering in this single Halloween party?
Are you aware that theres a lot of Harry Potter stuffs are being sell/sold in different countries (worlwide)?, Like T-Shirts with Harry Potter logo designs and many more...
I cant see those items in your Official Online Store (www.wbshop.com), so i think those items are not authorized by your company.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 22:21:08
First, I totally agree with Kigurumix.: "They had every right to request that she stop using the Harry Potter name, they own the rights to it. She was not holding a theme party for friends she was selling tickets to the general public for her party. She would be making money, even if it were a small amount, and using the HP name would drive the ticket sales when it was not licensed by HP or WB. There is a good chance that people who attend the party could go after WB if they arent happy with the HP aspects of the party. Fans or not, she is making money off the Harry Potter franchise and that is illegal." This is just like the RDR case; its not about what people think is fair- its about whats actually LEGAL. If you want to get mad at something, get mad at copyright laws.
Furthermore, the fact that shes so pissed about not being able to call it a harry potter party PROVES that calling it a harry potter party would have made her more money than she otherwise would have; hence, WB is right, she is making money off of the harry potter name which is illegal because she does not own the rights to it. if it wouldnt make any difference to her profit margin, she wouldnt mind changing it to "generic halloween wizard party", but the fact that she does indicates that she was using the "harry potter" name unfairly and illegally to make profits that she otherwise wouldnt have off of something she does not own.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 23:11:59
If you want to know how many dollars 25 pounds is click on this link...
http://lmgtfy. com/?q=25+pounds+in+dolla rs
Anyways, she shouldnt be charging that much for entry into a costume party, I highly doubt she is spending $1020.75 on decorations/food etc. for a Halloween party - and I doubt she was only planning on inviting 25 people if she made a website dedicated to selling tickets to the event...
I agree with WB
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 23:17:02
I dont think WBs being ridiculous...shes charging!!! If it was just a regular party, for friends and family or whatever, I doubt WB would have a problem with it...but any sort of fee she charges is technically her earning a profit off the Harry Potter name, therefore violating copyright laws. So whatever. Also, 25 pounds is an expensive entrance fee anyhow...how much is dry ice in the UK??? Hahahaha...
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-26 23:18:18
Exactly! No one charges that much money to throw a party for ONLY 30 people...so I think WB did the right thing.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 00:14:51
Im sure WB doesnt care that she has a Harry Potter party, but its the charging for admission thats the problem. Whether its to make up for the costs ($41 per person???) or not, it still breaks those pesky copyright laws.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 00:15:42
Alright, if they let this go, whos to say that someone else isnt going to come along and through some huge 500 guest party at a hotel or something and truely profit off of it.(BTW Wouldnt that ROCK!!) I still think, just as much as the next person, that WB needs to pick their battles That said however, I cant see how she ISNT making a profit with how much she is charging, but I digress. All in all, I think WB is just trying to set a precident. They dont want others in the future capitalizing on a HP themed party, so they cant let these "little guys" go unnoticed. Thats all I can think is going on because if they were seriously worried about the infringement rights in this particular situation that would be ridiculous. I really think this is thinking about the future and stopping things BEFORE they get out of hand so the "big guys" later cant say"Its already been done and no one said anything then!?" Just my opinion for what its worth.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 00:29:08
Upon reading more about this....I am more WITH WB than ever. This woman isnt doin this out of her living room, but at her place of business. You simply cant do that with out getting it cleared with WB. ANyone with half a mind for business knows this. At our local library we hold movie party and themed parties FREE for the kiddies because if we charge ANYTHING at all we could get trouble. Owning a business she should know this and probably does. Also, youre a fool if you think shes not expecting a profit off of this. Who sets up a website to order tickets to a party for FRIENDS. No folks, this was for the PUBLIC....it was for a profit. Lets not be nieve. WTG WB!
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 00:38:56
Ok, so maybe she shouldnt be charging that much money for a party, but WB is COMPLETELY out of it. Siriusly, its just a Halloween party. WB isnt going to be hurt by this at all. Theyre just abusing their authority. @TheHamgurglar, thats true about WB= Whiny Bitches.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 02:41:09
Im not choosing a site until theres more information..BUT- it does seem a little weird that although she says her living room fits thirty people, she is selling tickets ONLINE. So, its going to be strangers, paying to go to her "small" party, and hang out in her living room? That sounds really awkward, lol. Somethings fishy.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 04:05:33
Yet another reason I hate WB.
Let the women throw a party, and if she was going all out, then she would have to charge that much per head.
Also, lol @ Ms. Marmite Lover.
That has to be a fake name
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 04:17:42
screw Warner Bros.
Groucho Marx wrote a great open letter to them when they copyrighted Casablanca. Look it up :)
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 05:12:53
I think shes ridiculous for charging people - if she wasnt charging them, I think WB would be ridiculous. If AzGs comment if correct, then she should promote her event as Harry Potter Night, no extra charge. I go to Harry-themed events all the time - but theyre free.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 05:36:01
This really is incredibly stupid. Banning a HP-themed Halloween Party??!!
Wouldnt WB make the More HP Parties = more publicity = more profit for THEM connection?
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 05:36:02
This really is incredibly stupid. Banning a HP-themed Halloween Party??!!
Wouldnt WB make the More HP Parties = more publicity = more profit for THEM connection?
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 06:45:59
I think the issue was that she was trying to make a profit off of the Potter franchise. Ms. Lover was in the wrong to try to charge people to get into her party because of that. If she hadnt used Potter as a marketing ploy, but still had a Potter Themed party, this would probably not be an issue. But Warner Brothers definitely over-reacted. What ever happened to just saying please? Im sure if they had asked her nicely not to charge entrance for her party, and to not use Potter while advertising it, she would have complied.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 08:11:36
Who charges money to get into a party for 30 people? And what studio would care? I would only be upset if she were only inviting a bunch of children under the guise of an HP party, but if its for adults, then wtf?
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 08:27:47
This is silly isnt it, I think WB has gone a little far, but um, if this lady is having a party, since when do you charge people to come to your parties, I have had many Harry Potter themed parties, I turned my whole house to look like hogwarts, mum sons birthday is around halloween, so we have a halloween / birthday party most years, now the kids love it, even the games, like pin the sock on Dobby, of club the troll, It would be terrible for WB to stop these things, I think her mistake was charging, if she didnt charge, there probably wouldnt be any problem,
my 2 sickles worth anyway, :)
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 08:46:49
I think that both sides are in the wrong here. Technically Mrs. Lover is acting in copyright infringement, and seriously, who charges people to come to thier parties? But, WB is was over reacting, any profit she makes will be minimal at best and I dont think WB should be worrying about $100-200. Multibillion dollar corporations just dont worry about such a small amount of money. I think everyone just needs to take a chill pill.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 09:33:38
Are some of you forgetting she still can have the party she just can not make money off it. If you have a theme party that is fine. But you can not charge for it. Unless you get the ok from the person or company that has the copy right rights. Read up on copy right rights. All you see is a big company going after a little fish. The little fish is earning money at a so called "social gathering" in her so called home. some of you maybe think there is nothing wrong charging for people to go to a party as I said if you can not cover the cost of the party then you have no business doing the party in the first place.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 10:05:00
Those of you still mad at WB for the putting off HPHBP build a bridge and get over it. They did what they did and its over. Do your wining some where else. I still stand by what I said there is more here then is being said about this. If she was going on line to get people to come to this so called "party that to me says there is more then just a simple party. I read someone said she had an under ground dinner party place if that is true then bingo there is the clue that this is all about business and not just simply a "theme party" How many private parties go online to get guests to come to their "private party" Want to get caught selling tickets to a party just go online. Anyone knows now a days the "net" is so monitored and something as big as a HP party with a cover charge is not going to go unnoticed. The point is this person was trying to make money off of HP and she got got caught. End of story. I am a big HP fan and would love to go to or host a HP party but in a million years would never think to have to pay to go to a party or ask people to pay.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 10:14:55
yeah, WB is being stupid! you dont see them banging down doors just because little kids are having Harry Potter themed birthday parties.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 10:45:38
Instead of charging an entry fee, she shouldve just sold $30 drinks. ;)
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 12:17:51
One thing I cant stand is a greedy person and every time I turn around I see her or some representative of hers going after someone over something as ridiculous as this womans party. It makes me not feel sorry for people who cry about their copyrights being infringed upon.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 12:35:47
Okay, if AzG is correct in saying that this woman runs a restaurant out of her home, then I completely agree that WB has the right to ask her to stop. She is advertising and selling tickets to the general public. It would be the same as when Barnes and Noble wants to have Harry Potter themed book release parties - they have to get permission from WB first. If a business wants to use the Harry Potter name and images to promote their business, they must have permission.
If, on the other hand, this is a private party for her friends and family, and not for the general public, and if the price she is charging is just to help offset her cost of throwing the party, I think WB would need to draw a line as to what attendance and profit we are talking about. Less than 30 people and little to no profit should probably be fine for a private event. I could see attendance over 100 people and significant profit becoming a problem.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 12:36:25
Im kind of confused though...dont people host Harry Potter parties all the time? How is WB so sure that no one is charged to get in to some of those? How did WB find out about this one?
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 12:59:58
I think its really dumb for Warner Bros. to prevent this from occurring. I mean, what do they want - more money?? How big has this franchise been? How much more do they want!?!!! Its a harmless Halloween party Its really dumb for them to ban it. *shaking head at Warner Bros*
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 13:05:08
Ms Marmite Lover?? Nice story. But if this is actually true, WB are being absolutely and beyond ridiculous. Lets take it from Malfoy in the third movie - "this claim is riddikulus" :P
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 13:13:54
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 14:19:27
I agree with WB on this one and Im surprised so many of you have a problem with it. Its just business. A fan having a Harry Potter party for friends is fine; advertising to, and then charging, the general public for a Harry Potter party is not. You need permission if you are to dealing with the public and money. WB are protecting their product and making sure that they arent linked to anything that they may not agree with that goes on at said party.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 14:22:07
If it were just a party for her friends and family it would not be an issue. She is advertising as a restaurant than she should be expected to follow certain guidelines as all other establishments would.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 14:55:27
you got it weasleyatheart :)
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 15:02:15
as long as they dont crash my potter party.... this lady is stupid. u cant sell tickets to something like that. Of course WB should have shut her down. i stil think she should have the party, but make it smaller and DO NOT CHARGE PEOPLE that defeats the purpose of the party. its just ridiculous. but i am all for the Harry Potter themed party... just dont crash mine ....
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 15:23:59
WB probably shouldnt get mad at people for hosting HP parties, they make plenty on money for merchandise people buy for them. However, Ms. Marmite Lover (I dont think that is her real name) should not be charging a fee for tickets. No way.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 16:13:07
This is ridiculous. WB does not OWN Harry Potter. If JKR tried to throw a HP themed party, would they sue her? What idiots.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 16:26:41
who cares what kind of party she has? i think WB is being retarded! no one made a fuss when millions of kids dressed up in harry potter costumes for the book releases! WB is definitely doing a lot of stupid things lately. they seem determined to loose all their hp movie fans!
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 16:55:33
What a bunch of idiots. What, we cant have Harry Potter themed Halloween parties now? Im gonna have one. Ha!
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 17:05:52
i think WB is being silly. I mean, i understand she was charging money, and i can see how that would come off as wrong, but if she can prove shes not making a profit, just covering the cost of the party, then i dont see a problem. I mean, if she really has had loads of parties like this before, its clear she isnt looking for a profit. Youd be able to tell if she was doing that... I think WB should look into things bit more before just throwing a tantrum like a 5 year old.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 17:15:16
Warner Brothers is absolutely ridiculous. My friend and I always have Harry Potter parties!!
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 17:15:52
Wow.... What has our world come to? Getting busted for a themed party. Really? W.e. Btw, marmite lover? Bah ha ha!! A hilarious name!
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 18:21:53
OMG WB Shut up! Billionaires dont want to share their money do they? Pft.....
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 18:22:13
OMG WB Shut up! Billionaires dont want to share their money do they? Pft.....
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 18:23:05
Warner Brothers can suck it.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 18:36:32
Good grief ... who exactly is out there policing such things? Who turned this chick in? Who cares if she makes a couple of hundred dollars? Youd think WB would have bigger fish to fry, but greed runs rampant, I guess. I think its sort of pathetic that this woman is charging people to come to a private party, but she sounds like a bit of a headcase anyway. Are there actually people out there who would fork over $40 to attend a party revolving around a book series that wrapped up two years ago? I love Harry, but honestly, havent most people more or less moved on to other things?
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 19:25:23
At what point do you think WB should draw the line and tell someone they are infringing on copyright? At what number does it make it wrong? Seriously, it sounds stupid, but really, they have the right to do this, whether it is 30 people this time, or say a public New Years party with 1000. The issue is the same. The numbers dont really matter. Unfortunate though, isnt it? I wonder if Jo has ever had a HP party herself? Wouldnt that be a hoot?! Contest: Who can draw the best lightning bolt scar? How many Bellatrixs would show up for Halloween? Sorry, Im having a chuckle as my mind goes into Potterville!!
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 19:42:08
sereously....wow thats just stupid WB. people have Harry Potter themed paries all the time. I mean, have you seen all the HP stuff they sell in stores. plates, cups, napkins, all forms of decoration. i think they want you to use them for somthing.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 19:58:47
@Roonil: Technically WB DOES own it. They bought the film rights and most of the HP merchandise that is sold is modeled after the films. JKR wrote it, but the films are the visual representation of her world...and HP is a BILLION dollar industry. WB is not going to take any chances regardless of how small the party is.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 20:15:19
thats so tragic. this poor lady just wanted to show her support for an awesome series. She clearly wasnt trying to attack WB in any way. They are getting too picky, this party would not be hurting them in any way
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-27 23:24:08
people in WB need to realize that they dont OWN Harry Potter Jo Rowling DOES! ugh. that just makes me sick. EVERYONE IM THROWING A HARRY POTTER THEMED PARTY NOW. YOU ARE ALL INVITED. its in southern California thou hope all can make it! haha let them try n tell me no.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-28 02:59:22
How ridiculously cruel! Those people are such Freakazoids! Ms Lover was doing nothing wrong whatsoever in my opinion. Obviously my opinion is not the same as Warner Bros because they are being absolute morons not letting her have a Harry Potter themed party. I mean, seriously, would they be like that to me if I just stuck a banner on a wall saying Harry Potter? If they did I would whollop them about the head with a baseball bat! (No joke). Warner Bros. will want to be a bit nicer if they want to get HP fans on their side, especially me!
I feel extremly sorry for Ms Lover and if she reads this: LONG LIVE MS MARMITE LOVER!
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-28 04:27:53
Well I dont think she should be charging for the party, but I do think she should have the party. Whats WB going to do? Sue everyone who dresses up in wizard gear on Halloween night? Id like to see them try!
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-28 10:25:54
25 british pounds is a lot for just a neighborhood halloween party... but even so, WB is being ridiculous. shes not making a profit off of it, its not like shes trying to pass it all off as her own property or anything, and to actually send her a cease and desist... stupid big corporations. they wont even let the fans have any fun.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-28 10:37:10
Last year I had a Harry Potter themed birthday party for my 12 year old son. I didnt charge admission or anything. I made everything myself or bought some things I couldnt make. Her mistake was advertising it and charging an admission fee to the event. Thats why WB wanted her to stop, because she was charging a fee for the party and using the HP name to host the party. She shouldnt have charged money and she would have floated under the WB radar. If she needed the money to host the party, she maybe could have asked for a donation, thereby getting around any legal stuff (though I dont know the laws in England, so maybe that wouldnt have worked).
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-28 12:06:29
Shame on WB! Harry Potter is a Billion Dollar Empire! For fans, its not about money. Its about the love of Harry! Who cares if this woman wanted to defray some of her costs. She was hurting NOBODY!
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-28 13:47:25
Provided that no prophit is made on the event, these are just people getting together to celeberate Harry Potter. Cant she just post a disclaimer?
W A L L O F S H A M E
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-28 14:23:55
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-28 14:59:05
well im not surrpised she has to charge
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-28 15:35:44
This woman (and why is the fact that she happens to be a single mum remotely relevant here?) is being incredibly disingenuous.. Can she really not see why Warners might have a problem with this, or why plenty of people who have read your sob story might have no sympathy whatsoever for her situation?
If I opened a Harry Potter theme park in my garden and charged
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-28 15:53:23
Mugglenet ate my comment!! Oh, well have to post it in "chapters" if theres a word count restriction. Grr!
If I opened an HP themepark in my garden and charged
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-28 16:04:20
Oh, for gods sake! Right, third time lucky and then I give up.
If I opened an HP theme park in my garden and charged
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-28 16:10:20
If I opened an HP theme park in my garden and charged 25 quid a head, and upon entering, your Harry Potter-loving kids found that actually, it was just some bloke wearing a crap homemade Hagrid costume, some pumpkin pasties, and some dry ice (er, why?), then you would quite rightly be very annoyed, feel ripped off, and in all probability you would complain to Trading Standards.
This event is NOT a private party if she is charging money, and the fact that it is being held in her front room is irrelevant as in this instance it also happens to be her place of business and thus commercial premises.
Warners are not being killjoys - they have made it quite clear that they have no problem at all with people holding not-for-profit events in their own houses.
This is clearly the whole point (which this woman seems to be utterly incapable of understanding). She is charging members of the public (NOT her friends and family) a considerable sum (25 quid a head to cover some pasties and dry ice?), and thus is making a profit off the back of someone elses copyrighted name and image. This "Poor little me, Im a victim of The Man" stance of hers is, frankly, ludicrous. Still, shes got coach-loads of free publicity for her "restaurant" out of this, so Im sure shes sitting there rubbing her grubby little hands with glee about now.
Oh, its either a childrens party (in which case only the most miserly sort of person would charge, and certainly not 25 quid), or its a restaurant, in which case its a commercial enterprise. She cant have it both ways.
As Professor McGonagall night say, with righteous disdain, Ms. Marmite Lover, "You are raving".
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-28 16:16:27
Yay!
Mugglenet, you need to sort out your pound sign blocker!
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-28 16:17:23
This is ridiculous! The only reason WB is shutting his down is because this woman is charging people to get in, and advertising it. But, once you take all the costs into consideration shell hardly make anything. If anyone should try to shut it down it should be JKR, but I dont see her making a big, or any, deal of it.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-29 01:14:12
Some people here are being truly ridiculous. I doesnt matter if she makes only a penny. She is using someones creation for her own benefit without giving WB their share. WB could care less if I throw a Harry Potter themed party, they sell HP Themed party supplies at your local party shop.
Why dont I just start writing Harry Potter stories and selling them for a dollar? Im hardly benefiting from it... oh wait its copyright infringement.
Its like "KINDDA" stealing, "Officer I only sort of ran the red light." Thats the point of laws, ownership is ownership; Ill let you borrow my car, but dont start using it as a taxi without asking, and not even give me any of the fair.
Trust me people If she had just thrown the party for her family friends and neighbors and said, hey guys give me a help, bring some materials for the food, or bring some plates and stuff, no one would have cared. But she even opened up a website to sell more tickets, stupid really....
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-29 09:34:27
That is just stupid of Warner Bros.
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-29 16:35:12
This is ridiculous! WB has already made MILLIONS off of the Harry Potter franchise... they shouldnt go bothering this well-meaning mom, who wasnt even going to make a profit!
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Posted by: - Posted on: 2009-10-30 08:30:52
woooah warner bros. getting a little power happy there? calm down or next thing you know all the unauthorized fandom books will have become illegal and youll be shutting down the fandom. then well see how you like all the calls and letters and people showing up at your headquarters. you think moving the last movie brought on a bad onslaught? keep this behaviour up.
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