Christian publishers battle over 'God's Little Princess'

By Eriq Gardner

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, he reportedly told his followers, "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods."

If only Moses could have lived to see a new lawsuit filed in Tennessee district court by Christian publisher Thomas Nelson Inc. against another Christian publisher Zondervan Corp.

Both companies publish Biblical-themed children books and release related products like DVDs, dolls, toys and apparel. According to the complaint, Thomas Nelson hired an illustrator named Meredith Johnson under a work-for-hire agreement to provide illustrations for a successful series entitled "Gigi, God's Little Princess." 

Thomas Nelson alleges that Johnson was not satisfied with her compensation under the agreement and negotiated with Zondervan to illustrate a new series entitled "The Princess Twins." The illustrations were substantially similar, says Thomas Nelson, and as a result, Johnson breached her contract and Zondervan committed intentional interference, copyright and trademark infringement, and unfairly competed in the marketplace.

We're hoping this holy war is resolved before anyone violates other Commandments.