Dickens v. Lee (1844): A Christmas Tale of Two Experts Testifying

Authors

• Mark Rose, University of California, Santa Barbara

Abstract

The article examines the 1844 case of Dickens v. Lee, highlighting its significance as an early example of the use of expert witnesses in copyright disputes. Dickens successfully sued over the unauthorized adaptation of A Christmas Carol, but the case underscores the challenges of balancing literary and commercial considerations in copyright law. The defense's use of expert testimony to argue market differentiation contrasts with the court's focus on literary similarity, foreshadowing modern debates on substantial similarity in copyright infringement.

Disciplines

Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law | Intellectual Property Law | Jurisdiction | Law

Recommended Citation

Mark Rose, Dickens v. Lee (1844): A Christmas Tale of Two Experts Testifying, 41 Cardozo Arts & Ent. L.J. 227 (2023).
Available at: https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/cardozoaelj/vol41/iss2/3