Running Press has obtained a federal injunction to stop the distribution and sale of a tiny book and keychain based on one of Running Press's Miniature Edition books, Palm Reading, A Little Guide to Life's Secrets by Dennis Fairchild. The order also demands that the distributor, California-based EJ Enterprises -- a wholesaler and distributor of gifts, stationery and toys -- recall all remaining copies.
Running Press publisher Buz Teacher told PW that a Running Press employee spotted the item in a Pennsylvania gift shop.
On April 23, acting on an order issued by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, federal marshals seized 55 dozen copies of the 11/2"x 17/8" book attached to a keychain and miniature magnifying glass. Running Press has filed a lawsuit against EJ Enterprises alleging copyright and trademark infringement, charging that the book is a cheap counterfeit that contains the entire 144-page text of its copyrighted Palm Reading.
The real Palm Reading title has sold more than 250,000 copies to date; it is one of a series of hardcover books, originated in 1989, in a format of 23/4"x31/4". There are more than 160 active titles in the series.
