Michigan State University Star Trek Club vs. Warped Space

Michigan State University Star Trek Club vs. Warped Space 
Warped Space was a highly-visible and influential print zine series that was first published by the Michigan State University STAR TREK Club while its creators were students. The zine's creators probably never imagined the zine would have a run as long as it did.
Between 1975 to 1980, there was a lengthy legal battle over assets, reprints, profits, ownership, and publisher's rights after those students graduated, or during their enrollment.
==The Beginning, and The Separation: A Timeline of Copyright Statements==
Warped Space #3, #4, #5 stated that the zine was an "official publication of The Michigan State University Star Trek Club... Contents copyright © 1976 to the MSUSTC." 
Warped Space #6 leaves out the word "official" and states the zine was a "publication of The Michigan State University Star Trek Club... Contents copyright © 1976 to the MSUSTC." 
Warped Space #7 (June 1975) the wording changed to "loosely associated with the Michigan State University Star Trek Club, printed by the University Press.... Contents copyright © 1976 to the MSUSTC."
Warped Space #8, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18, #19, #20, #21 bump back to stating that the zine was an "official publication of The Michigan State University Star Trek Club, printed by the University Press... Contents copyright © 1976 to the MSUSTC." 
While Warped Space #21 (November 1976) had the copyright statement that had been on many previous issues, the editor that issue also added: "For information on the prices and availability of WARPED SPACE back issues 1 & 2 through 21, write to the MSUSTC, P.O. Box 16, East Lansing, MI, 48823. For information on WARPED SPACE 22 onward, write to Lori Chapek-Carleton... I hope you've enjoyed the first 20 issues of Warped Space. I'm very glad to have Warped Space 21 done. Please continue to share with me the joy that goes in to the making of Warped Space, as I thankfully go my separate way from the MSUSTC with the next issue and all future issues henceforth..."
From Warped Space #22 (December 1976), and on all future issues: "Warped Space is a publication of the T'Kuhtian Press, c/o [[Lori Chapek-Carleton.... Contents copyright © 1976 to Lori Chapek-Carleton."
==Some 1978 Open Letters==
Issue #37 (June 1978) included a flyer from the editors explaining in great detail the legal battle they were having with the original university club regarding rights, privilege, and money. The flyer included the names of about 100 subscribers and the amount they were owed, along with a plea to petition the university. 
Three members of MSUSTC responded with their own open letter (dated July 1978): see The Other Side Speaks: THE DEBT THAT NEVER SHOULD HAVE OCCURRED IN THE FIRST PLACE.
==The Lawsuit Progresses==
From "Warped Space" #39 (November 1978): 
From "Warped Space" #40 (March 1979): 
From Warped Space #46 (September 1981): 
==Flyers and Other==
Image:warpedspacelegal.jpg|text of legal action. The notice goes on to list issues #7, #8, #9, #14, #15, #16, and #21. Click to read.
Image:warped41-1.jpg|printed in Warped Space #41: dated February 5, 1979
 Image:cityflyer.jpg| flyer from Warped Space #26/27: Note this December 1976 rift: in the form of this statement: "CITY ON THE EDGE OF WHATEVER in any form is not now nor has ever been connected with the The Michigan State University STAR TREK Club despite various convention booklet credits and rumors to the contrary." 
Category:Star Trek TOS Events
Category:1970s Events