Copyright claim ‘a travesty’

An accusation that author Dan Brown stole the ideas for his blockbuster The Da Vinci Code (DVC) was a “travesty”, a High Court judge heard yesterday.

Mr Justice Peter Smith was told a claim alleging plagiarism brought by two other writers was now in “tatters”.

The submissions were made by a QC representing publishers Random House who are contesting a breach of copyright claim brought against them by Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh, co-authors of a non-fiction work, The Holy Blood And The Holy Grail (HBHG).

Mr Brown has given evidence defending his publisher against claims that his successful novel lifts from Baigent and Leigh’s book, itself a bestseller in 1982.

In closing submissions yesterday, John Baldwin QC said it was a “travesty” to suggest Mr Brown had copied the central theme and said: “The claimants’ case is now in tatters.”

In evidence, Mr Brown said HBHG was just one of many books he studied in preparation for the novel and from where he took the idea that Jesus married Mary Magdalene, and their descendents survive today.

Closing submissions on behalf of Mr Baigent and Mr Leigh are expected to be made on Monday.