Google Library Settlement Ends Seven-Year Struggle With Publishers

Google has agreed a deal with the Association of American Publishers (AAP) that has brought an end to a seven-year spat over the tech giant’s plans to scan and digitise books for a massive online library.

Back in 2005, Google announced its Library Project, which brought about a lawsuit led by the AAP, which was concerned about the potential for copyright infringement.

Last year, a US court ruled against Google and its settlement proposal to pay $125 million for the rights to scan millions of books.

The agreement announced today, however, means US publishers will be able to decide what Google can use for its library. Previously, publishers would have had to complain after Google had put a publication online.

Some terms of the deal were not disclosed.

A happy ending for Google Library?

“We are pleased that this settlement addresses the issues that led to the litigation,” said Tom Allen, President and CEO, AAP. “It shows that digital services can provide innovative means to discover content while still respecting the rights of copyright-holders.”

David Drummond, senior vice president for corporate development and chief legal officer, Google added: “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.”

Google currently sells books via its Play store, where users can browse up to 20 percent of publications, but need to purchase the them if they want to read more.

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