Has Google published your book online without permission or payment? If you're unsure, it's time to take action. Claim deadlines and hearings are quickly approaching.
Has Google published your book online without permission or payment? If you're unsure, it's time to take action. Claim deadlines and hearings are quickly approaching.
by Laurie Lee Dovey
During a routine Web search, I came across the complete text of a book written by John E. Phillips on Google Books. Knowing John, two thoughts came to mind:
I contacted John. Phillips stated, unequivocally that Google Books captured and posted the book without permission or compensation.
I was reminded of the whole Google Books lawsuit POMA reported to members over a year ago. The case is ongoing - and if you're a book author you should do your homework. Like Phillips, you may have full-texts of books online, and could be losing sales as a result.
A class action lawsuit brought by authors and publishers, claims that Google has violated their copyrights and those of other Rightsholders of Books and Inserts, by scanning their books, creating an electronic database and displaying short excerpts without the permission of the copyright holders.
Several settlement offers have been accepted by the court and the clock is ticking for authors who want to make a claim against Google.
Take Action Now: Review the settlement administration Web site for the Google Book Search Copyright Class Action Settlement. The site includes an excellent FAQs and the claim forms that need to be filed by authors.
File Notice of Intent to Appear at the Fairness Hearing: If you wish to appear in person at the Fairness Hearing on February 18, 2010, your notice of intent must be postmarked on or before February 4, 2010.
Claim Your Books and Inserts: You can do this at any time, but in order to be eligible for Cash Payments for Books and Inserts, you must complete your Claim Form on or before March 31, 2011 (extended from January 5, 2010).