Million seek Imam’s happiness. Thousands cry for a glimpse of him from the mountains of central Asia to North America.But few could get a chance of profiting his words. The Aga Khan, spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims, is suing a Toronto Ismailli Lawyer, Alnaz Jiwa and a Montreal based Ismaili businessman for copyright infringment. The worldly renown social engineer and the spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslim is seeking punitive and exemplary damages and injunction against two of his own lay followers the canadian press reported on Tuesday.
The statement of claim, filed last week in federal court, alleges the two men and other unnamed parties infringed on his copyright by selling “literary works and readings” he wrote. The document alleges the defendants engaged in the commercial ventures using unauthorized reproduction of material.
The material in question consists of collection of written messages and speeches delivered by the Aga Khan between 1957 and 2009.
“It is the mandate of the Imam to interpret to his community the faith of Islam” and “lead the effort to improve the security and quality” of life of his community and the wider societies amongh which the Ismailies live,” teh suit states. The Aga Khan’s communication to his community are conveyed in his privileged context and hence, he is concerned that their integrity should be sageguarded.”
The suit names Toronto lawyer Alnaz Jiwa and Montreal Businessman Nagib Tajdin.
Jiwa reportedly confirmed his statement of defense has not been filed.
The Dardistan Times 