EU to Investigate Google Book Deal
The European Union has set a September 7 date for a discussion on the controversial book deal signed by Google and the Authors Guild of America.
The European Union has said the September hearing will offer interested parties the chance to comment on the Google book deal, which is already being investigated by the United States Department of Justice,
Bloomberg this week reports that the commission “is seeking precise details on the exact scope of the settlement” as well as information as to how many European works or publications will potentially be affected by the deal. "Participants were invited to it three weeks ago," Commission spokesman Oliver Drewes said, according to Reuters.
Earlier this month the DOJ confirmed an investigation into the settlement between the search giant and the Authors Guild and the Association of American Publishers. The three last year announced that they came to a $125 million agreement with regard to pre-scanned copyright protected books, and laid out prospective plans for future revenues. Google's $125 million would be used to cover legal fees as well as establish the Book Rights Registry, aimed at resolving existing claims by authors and publishers.
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Jane McEntegart is a writer, editor, and marketing communications professional with 17 years of experience in the technology industry. She has written about a wide range of technology topics, including smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. Her articles have been published in Tom's Guide, Tom's Hardware, MobileSyrup, and Edge Up.
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Charbax Europe needs to work with Google to have them digitize all European books and monetize all European authors as well.Reply -
Mr_Man Google: "Let's do something that people will like and therefore will make us some money"Reply
EU: "Google? Doing something new?! *snarl claw froth at the mouth*" -
croc I'm not particularily pleased about Google's plans either. But I am even more displeased with the stupid 'never ending' US copyright laws.Reply
'Google, meet copyright. Copyright, meet google. Shake hands, and at the bell come out fighting.' -
Regulas So the EU has found another rich American company they can extort, I mean sue for money.Reply -
erikstarcher I haven't yet figured out why both the US and EU have any concern with this deal. Who's complaining and why? What is so bad about this deal?Reply