Google settles with American publishers after 7-year Google Library lawsuit

Digitizing books and indexing the contents thereof might seem like a good idea, if only to increase access to content. But when Google launched its Library project, a lot of publishers voiced dissent, saying Google was infringing on their intellectual property.

In 2005, a group of copyright holders filed a lawsuit against Google, including McGraw-Hill, Pearson Education, Penguin Group, John Wiley & Sons, and Simon & Schuster. With the lawsuit pending in the courts, Google had been unable to include books published by these companies into its Google Books website, which offered digital access to content through Google Play.
After seven years in litigation, Google has agreed to settle with the publishers, although the terms of the settlement are confidential. The publishing industry has lauded this development. Tom Allen, president and CEO of the Association of American Publishers, has expressed approval. “It shows that digital services can provide innovative means to discover content while still respecting the rights of copyright-holders.”
Meanwhile, Google says it can now continue working on its core business of ensuring wider access to information. “By putting this litigation with the publishers behind us, we can stay focused on our core mission and work to increase the number of books available to educate, excite and entertain our users via Google Play,” says David Drummond, senior VP for Corporate Development and Chief Legal Officer.
Google Books enables users to browse up to 20% of a book or publication’s content, after which the entire publication can be bought through Google Play. This model offers wider access to information, and at the same time gives publishers the ability to monetize their content through a wider audience.
However, not everyone is happy. The Authors Guild says Google still continues to profit unfairly, leaving artists on the losing end of the bargain.

The publishers’ private settlement, whatever its terms, does not resolve the authors’ copyright infringement claims against Google. Google continues to profit from its use of millions of copyright-protected books without regard to authors’ rights, and our class-action lawsuit on behalf of U.S. authors continues.

As such, the separate class-action lawsuit continues, and Google will still have to deal with this.

SOURCES Google

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