Announcement Re: Urantia Foundation's Response to Michael Foundation Complaint
Friday, June 16, 2000
Michael Foundation, Inc., an organization founded and controlled by Harry McMullan III of Oklahoma City, filed suit against Urantia Foundation in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma on May 12, 2000. Their suit requests the court to declare the copyright in The Urantia Book invalid or, alternatively, to rule that their publication entitled Jesus -- A New Revelation, consisting of Papers 121-196 of The Urantia Book, does not infringe the copyright.
Urantia Foundation filed its response to the complaint June 16. Urantia Foundation's answer advises the court of the three prior cases where the copyright was contested and upheld by the courts, most recently in Maaherra v. Urantia Foundation.
In light of Harry McMullan III's participation in the Maaherra case, his subsequent acts in violating the copyright constitute a reckless and conscious disregard for the rights of Urantia Foundation under law. Mr. McMullan was a substantial contributor of financial and nonfinancial support in that case. He personally attended the proceedings before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal in San Francisco. As a result of this participation, he had full knowledge of the validity of the copyright.
Urantia Foundation is therefore requesting the court to enter judgment in favor of Urantia Foundation against Harry McMullan III and Michael Foundation for willful violations of copyright law; the anti-cybersquatting consumer protection act (for registering Internet domain names that violate Urantia Foundation's trademark rights); and the unfair and deceptive trade practices act.
Urantia Foundation is requesting an injunction barring Mr. McMullan and Michael Foundation from further violation of the copyright and trademarks as well as monetary damages prescribed by law and punitive damages. In addition, the court is asked to award Urantia Foundation its costs and attorneys' fees incurred in connection with this case. Urantia Foundation is requesting a jury trial.
As the case progresses, we will issue periodic updates. In the meantime, questions may be directed to the head office in Chicago at +1 773 525 3319.
Mindy WilliamsUrantia Foundation533 W. Diversey ParkwayChicago, IL 60614Email: mwilliams@urantia.org <mailto:mwilliams@urantia.org>Phone: 773/525-3319