Head of copyright office tells Congressional panel that Google book deal is ‘at odds’ with law
By APThursday, September 10, 2009
Copyright office leader balks at Google book deal
WASHINGTON — The head of the U.S. Copyright Office has serious concerns with a class-action settlement that would grant Google the digital rights to millions of books that are no longer being published.
Marybeth Peters, the Register of the Copyright Office, told a congressional committee Thursday that she believes parts of the proposed settlement are “fundamentally at odds with the law.” She also warned the House Judiciary Committee that the agreement would jeopardize Congress’ ability to govern book copyrights.
The copyright office’s misgivings are just the latest doubts being cast about the legality of a settlement Google reached with U.S. authors and publishers 10 months ago.
A federal court hearing on the settlement is scheduled for Oct. 7.
Tags: North America, United States, Washington
