Information Protectionism strikes again.
Author Lalie Walker and her editor are being sued by famous Parisian textile retailer “Marché St-Pierre” for using the store’s name in Ms. Walker’s new fiction, Aux malheurs des dames. The store claims that the Walker’s use denigrated its reputation (in the story, Marché St-Pierre is the scene of some crimes).
Says the director of the company (my translation): “This is a trademark ! This site is protected by Law ! No one can infringe on it and no one can talk about Marché Saint-Pierre without the authorization of the owner and director.” The owner wants the book removed from circulation and asks for 2 million euros reparation !
Here is the full story (sorry, no link in English seems to exist)
It is unlikely that the plaintiff will win the lawsuit and succeed in banning the book. But the fact that Ms. Walker must spend her time and money defending her work illustrates the degeneration of State-provided Law.
