Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling wins privacy case appeal

This Monday, Dec. 10, 2007 file photo shows British writer J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series of books, as she poses for photographers with a copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a volume of unpublished stories which she authored, prior to a reception in central London. A court ruling in favor of Rowling has set the stage for a trial on whether publication of photos taken of her young son violates his privacy. The Court of Appeal in London says children of famous parents have the same right to expect privacy as children of parents who aren't well-known. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis, FILE)

LONDON—A court ruling in favor of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has set the stage for a trial on whether publication of photos taken of her young son violates his privacy.

The Court of Appeal in London says children of famous parents have the same right to expect privacy as children of parents who aren't well-known.

The ruling Wednesday sets aside an earlier finding in favor of Express Newspapers and Big Pictures, an agency that took the photos with a long telephoto lens.

Rowling and her husband, Dr. Neil Murray, brought the case on behalf of their 5-year-old son David. The photos in question were taken when David was 18 months old.

The judge says the case should now go to trial unless it can be settled.