Class Action Complaint Against Harlequin Enterprises Dismissed

TORONTO, April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Harlequin Enterprises Limited ("Harlequin") today announced that Federal District Judge Harold Baer, Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled in favor of Harlequin, dismissing the class action complaint against it (Barbara Keiler v. Harlequin Enterprises Limited, 12cv5558, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York).

Judge Baer dismissed the suit, which related to the payment to certain authors of royalties on digital rights under contracts entered into from 1990 to 2004. The suit was dismissed on grounds that the plaintiffs failed to state a claim.

Throughout the case, Harlequin maintained that it properly executed the terms of the publishing contracts signed with its authors. Harlequin, one of the world's most respected publishers of books for women, has always fairly compensated its authors. In particular, as ebooks have become a more important source of publishing revenue in recent years, Harlequin has voluntarily changed the terms of its publishing contracts to offer authors a greater share of ebook revenue.

"We are pleased with today's decision," said Donna Hayes, Publisher and CEO, Harlequin. "Harlequin prides itself on being a place where over 1,200 authors find opportunities to publish. As the publishing industry evolves, we look forward to developing our author agreements further in ways that serve both of our interests."

About Harlequin
Harlequin (www.Harlequin.com) is one of the world's leading publishers of books for women, with titles issued worldwide in 31 languages and sold in 110 international markets. The company publishes more than 110 titles monthly and more than 1,200 authors from around the world. Harlequin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation (www.torstar.com), a broadly based media company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TS.B). Harlequin's website is located at Harlequin.com. Harlequin has offices in 18 countries, including offices in Toronto, New York and London. For more information, please visit Harlequin.com and Facebook.com/HarlequinBooks. Follow Harlequin on Twitter @HarlequinBooks.

Media Contact:

Darren McDermott
Brunswick Group
[email protected]
(917) 345-3621

SOURCE Harlequin Enterprises Limited