19-02-02
Lawyers for Wilson and Horton have advised a 17 year old Aucklander that he must withdraw a community news website or be
taken to the High Court.
17 year old Jonathan Marshall received a notice from Bell Gully late yesterday advising him that if his news web site is
not withdrawn and ceased trading by the 1st March 2002 then an injunction would be filed at the Auckland High Court.
Bell Gully alleges Mr Marshall’s website covers similar material to their client, Wilson and Horton’s local newspaper
Shore News, and, “could constitute passing off an amount to a breach of the provisions of part one of the Fair Trading
Act 1986”. Bell Gully also believes “it could cause loss in misleading customers and causing confusion in the market”.
Mr Marshall, formerly of Rangitoto College and now a journalist for Ian Wishart’s Investigate magazine says “I don't
mind taking on the big boys, I won’t be using expensive lawyers to fight what is a simplistic matter – pure jealousy,
jealousy that I thought of putting the North Shore News on the internet before they did”.
Mr Marshall is unsure yet if he will revoke the site or will fight the case at the High Court as suggested by Wilson and
Horton’s lawyers.
“The site may become available for sale, who knows?” said Marshall courageously.
The drama continues for possibly New Zealand’s youngest journalists and the big boys at Bell Gully.
Released on behalf of Jonathan Marshall 19/02/02
For further information, contact Jonathan Marshall: 021-266-4555
ENDS