JK Rowling brands new book 'theft'

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Rowling said the Harry Potter Lexicon, based on the internet fan site of the same name, "constitutes wholesale theft of 17 years of my hard work".

The Harry Potter author was giving evidence at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan courthouse in New York, where she is suing RDR Books to stop publication of Steve Vander Ark's encyclopaedia.

Rowling, who argued her copyright would be violated by the Lexicon, told the court she has stopped work on a new novel because the lawsuit has "decimated my creative work over the last month".

"This book constitutes wholesale theft of 17 years of my hard work," she said.

Asked by her lawyer, Dale Cendali, how she felt about Harry, Rowling said: "I really don't want to cry."

Anthony Falzone, for RDR Books, defended the Lexicon as a reference guide and described it as a legal effort "to organise and discuss the complicated and very elaborate world of Harry Potter".

Rowling brought the lawsuit against the publisher last year and the case, which is being heard by Judge Robert Patterson without a jury, is expected to last one week.

The book, by Steve Vander Ark, was originally set to be published by RDR Books on November 28 last year but the judge issued an order at an earlier hearing banning completion, distribution, marketing or advance sales of the book until further notice.

Rowling said: "If RDR's position is accepted authors everywhere will be forced to protect their creations much more rigorously, which could mean denying well-meaning fans permission to pursue legitimate creative activities."