QUICK TAKES - June 16, 2009

An author being sued by J.D. Salinger for copyright infringement asked a judge Monday to let his book be published.

Attorneys for Fredrik Colting, who writes under the name John David California, submitted a 33-page “defendants’ memorandum” in federal court in Manhattan, arguing that his novel “60 Years Later” is a legally protected commentary and parody of “The Catcher in the Rye,” and not an unauthorized sequel, as Salinger has alleged.

Colting’s novel tells of a “Mr. C,” presumed to be Holden Caulfield as an old man, and of an author named “J.D. Salinger” who contends with his character’s enduring fame.

Salinger, 90, has sued Colting, asking that the book’s release -- scheduled this summer -- be halted.