Language Creation Society Says Klingon Language Isn't Covered By Copyright

Reader AmiMoJo writes: Earlier this year Paramount Pictures and CBS Studios filed a lawsuit against the makers of a Star Trek inspired fan film, accusing them of copyright infringement. In their amicus brief, which actually uses Klingon language, the Language Creation Society lists many examples of how Klingon has evolved, and it specifically disputes Paramount's earlier claims that there are no human beings who communicate using the Klingon language. "In fact, there are groups of people for whom Klingon is their only common language. There are friends who only speak Klingon to each other. In fact, at least one child was initially raised as a native speaker of Klingon." As such, Paramount should not be allowed to claim copyright over the entire Klingon language, both in written and spoken form. The language is a tool for people to communicate and express ideas, something people should be allowed to do freely under U.S. law, LCS argues.

Comments

Re:Children raised on it

[NettiWelho]

Which kind of idiots raise their children on Klingon as their main language?

Klingons.

Re:LCS rep here

[John.Banister]

Have you considered resolving this dispute in a traditional Klingon manner? It would be fun to see a Paramount executive attempting to enforce copyright with a bat'leth.

Re:LCS rep here

[saizai]

I can't comment on any discussions of legal strategy we may or may not have had with counsel. :-)

Re:Child abuse

[Jamu]

You've obviously not read it in the original Klingon.