Just last week Google argued ‘fair-use’ on it’s Google Books project in preparation for the hearing about copyright infringements. Google argues that the Google Books project provides significant public benefits but does no demonstrated harm to the authors. Google also argues that the Google Book project has benefits for authors; interested readers have to buy the book to be able to read the complete version, and Google Books can spark readers’ interests. 

After handing in their arguments for the upcoming hearing by Judge Chin, it’s time to hear from the authors’ side. The Authors Guild does not agree with Google’s reasoning, and asked the judge for a ruling in its favor. This ruling consists a claim of 750 U.S. dollars for each book Google used in its Google Book project. They base their claim mainly on the fact that, according to them, Google never sought authorization from the owners of the digitized works. 

The lawsuit concerning the Google Books project has been going on for over seven years in several countries.  On 9 October 2012, Judge Chin will decide whether the case can proceed or should be dismissed. 

An overview of the case can be found here. 

Read more about this topic on Future of Copyright:

• Google argues fair use in Google Books case
• Study reveals obstacles to legal distribution of digital entertainment content

Sources: Bloomberg

By: Nathalie Falot