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Summary
Important Information
What do I need to do?
Important dates
Assistance and More information

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What is the Google Book Settlement?

Summary

The Google Book Project began in 2004 and aims to provide online access to millions of books. In 2005, a group of authors, publishers, the Authors Guild and the Association of American Publishers filed class-action lawsuits claiming that Google is in violation of copyright law. In October of 2008, Google announced a Settlement. This agreement affects all copyright holders of books published before January 5, 2009.

If you are a copyright holder and do not opt out of the Settlement, you are IN the Settlement, and should follow through.

Important Information

There are many blog entries, editorials and articles published on this topic, but here are some important primary sources:

Google Book Search (site)
Google Press Center's Announcement of Settlement
Google Book Search Settlement Agreement
Google Book Settlement FAQs (a very useful page)
Google Book Settlement Claim Form
Google Book Settlement Opt Out information
"Final Notice of Class Action Settlement" PDF

What do I need to do?

Familiarize yourself with the terms of the Settlement and decide whether or not to opt out.

If you are a copyright holder and do not opt out of the Settlement, you are IN the Settlement, and have the following choices:

* Claim your books and inserts at http://www.googlebooksettlement.com;
* Claim a payment for any books and inserts that Google digitized on or before May 5, 2009;
* Request that one or more of your books be removed from the Books database or that one or more of your books not be digitized;
* Exclude or include one or more of your books in various Display Uses under the Settlement;
* Exclude or include one or more of your inserts in all Display Uses under the Settlement;
If you stay in the settlement you may also object to some or all terms of the Settlement.

If you do nothing, you will be bound by the Settlement. If you do not claim your Books, you will not receive any cash payment or be able to participate in future revenue from Google’s use of your Books. By staying in the Settlement, you will, however, release all copyright infringement claims you might have against Google for digitizing your Books without your permission. (paraphrased and quoted from: http://www.googlebooksettlement.com/help/bin/answer.py?answer=118704&hl=en#extension_explanation)

Important Dates

The opt-out deadline has been extended to September 4, 2009.

Claim your Books and Inserts: You can do this at any time, but in order to be eligible for Cash Payments for Books, you must complete your Claim Form on or before January 5, 2010.

For Assistance