Technology Law Rebooted Current Developments and Practical Tips

Feb 22 2010Google Books Settlement Still Not a Done Deal

Although Google has entered into a settlement that would transform Google Books into a digital library and bookstore, the fate of the Google Books project now rests in the hands of Judge Denny Chin. The settlement between Google and the author/publisher plaintiffs, which has yet to be approved by the court, would give Google the right to index, display and sell full-text access to millions of books.  On February 18, 2010, a hearing was held to consider the fairness of the proposed settlement.  At that hearing, the United States Department of Justice, as well as many scholars, public interest groups, and other intellectually interested parties, spoke in opposition of the settlement, citing violations of antitrust and copyright laws and violations to consumer privacy, among other things.  Time will tell whether the concerns raised regarding the project can be overcome.