In a version of Dickens’ Jarndyce vs. Jarndyce, we now are approaching the seventh year of the copyright infringement lawsuit againstGoogle because of its unauthorized digitizing of copyrighted works. (I addressed this topic in a previous post.) Briefly, in 2005 the Author’s Guild and other plaintiffs filed a class action lawsuit against Google for its … Continue reading Update On The Google Book Search Lawsuit
Background: Four years ago, the Author’s Guild and other plaintiffs filed a class action lawsuit against Google for its “Book Search,” alleging that Google violates the copyrights of authors and publishers in books by digitizing (scanning) them, creating an electronic database of books, and displaying short excerpts without the copyright owners’ permission. Google defended its … Continue reading Update On The Google Book Search Lawsuit Settlement
Q. I read that the Supreme Court recently upheld Google’s trademark, although people universally use “Google” instead of “to search.” Also, I’ve heard that it isn’t legal to use trademarks in a book, yet I see them being used all the time. Can you explain? A. Yes, Google is litigating to prevent its trademark from … Continue reading Using Trademarks in Fiction
Q. In the Internet era, how do I protect against infringement of my copyright? A. The best protection is constant vigilance. Whether you have a publisher or are self-published, you should perform an Internet search for your name and your book titles at regular intervals. You also should set up Google Alerts with the same … Continue reading Protecting Your Copyright
I have written before about the Author’s Guild copyright infringement lawsuit against Google for its unauthorized digitizing of copyrighted works. Now, after eight years of litigation, we have a decision. Briefly, in 2005 the Author’s Guild and other plaintiffs filed a class action lawsuit against Google for its “Book Search,” alleging that Google violated the … Continue reading Google Book Scan Lawsuit Decision
[toc] Q.When do I need permission to use someone else’s material? A. The answer is simple: whenever the failure to seek permission will result in copyright infringement. Since 1976, U.S. copyright is automatic when an original work — text, art, photos or music — is created and fixed in a copy or recorded for … Continue reading Publishing FAQ