U.S. Editor Prevails In Internet Libel Case Brought By Unhappy Author

A French court has ruled in the Karin Calvo-Goller case. As you may remember, Dr. Calvo-Goller was unhappy about a book review of a work she had written, penned by Dr. Thomas Weigend and posted by Dr. Joseph Weiler on the website Dr. Weiler edits. In 2007, she asked Dr. Weiler by letter to remove the review; Dr. Weiler refused. She then sued in a French court, alleging defamation.

The French court has held (French original here, English translation here) that it has no jurisdiction to hear the case since the acts complained of occured outside its territory. It awarded Dr. Weiler 8,000 Euros (he had asked for 10,000 Euros) for costs. Dr. Calvo-Goller explains her actions here, saying she does not intend to appeal. Dr. Weiler discusses the case here.