J. K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series publications, issued on August 26 with China's People's Literature Publishing House a public announcement and People's Daily Online was the first to be authorized to release the announcement.

As Harry Potter series are increasingly popular in China, the announcement is targeted against the various continued infringements of the rights of the author and the authorized Chinese publisher on the Internet in China.

Following is the full text of J. K. Rowling's public announcement.

We, Ms. J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series publications, and the People's Literature Publishing House hereby jointly make the following statements:

Ms. J.K. Rowling is the copyright owner of the Harry Potter series of works. The People's Literature Publishing House has been authorized by Ms. J.K. Rowling with the exclusive translation right and publication right to the simplified Chinese version of the Harry Potter 1-6 in the PRC.

Without the permission of the right holders, any websites and/or any individuals, under any name, transmit the original English works or their Chinese translations on the Internet or in any other forms, including via paper media, is an infringement to the legitimate copyright and interests of Ms. J.K. Rowing and the People's Literature Publishing House. The infringed rights include the translation right of both parties, Ms. J.K. Rowling's network transmission right and moral rights, and the exclusive publication right of the People' s Literature Publishing House.

Ms. J.K. Rowling and the People's Literature Publishing House reserve their rights to pursue the relevant infringers' legal liability, in accordance with the PRC Copyright Law.

J.K. Rowling

The People's Literature Publishing House

August 26, 2005

By People's Daily Online