Confused about the recent Google Book settlement? I know I am. Here’s some background and help:
Complimentary Teleseminar, “What the Google Book Settlement Means for Authors and Publishers”
Thursday, April 2, 2009, at 3:00 pm ET/12:00 pm PT.
Register at www.joybutler.com/seminarinfo.htm
WHO SHOULD ATTEND? If you are the author or publisher of a book published on or prior to January 5, 2009, you are part of the Google Book Settlement and it can impact your rights in your books – whether you know it or not. If you do not want to be a part of the settlement, you must take action by May 5, 2009.
BACKGROUND ON SETTLEMENT: In 2004, Google began digitizing millions of books, including books still protected by copyright. Google displayed snippets – or several lines of text - of the digitized books in search results. In response to Google’s actions, the Authors Guild, the Association of American Publishers, and others from the publishing industry filed a class action lawsuit.
After several years of negotiations, the parties have agreed to a settlement. Under the settlement, Google will pay a monetary fee for the copyrighted books it has digitized. Google will also be able to expand its use of books beyond snippets to uses that include consumer sales, subscriptions to libraries and universities of an electronic books database, and sales of advertising on pages from books. Google will share with authors and publishers the revenue generated from these uses.
THE TELESEMINAR: In this complimentary teleseminar, attorney Joy Butler helps authors and publishers understand the terms of the 300+ page proposed Google Book Settlement agreement. She will address the practical issues authors and publishers should consider when determining whether and to what extent to participate in the settlement:
* What happens if you don’t opt out of the settlement by May 5, 2009?
* What is the income potential for authors and publishers who participate in the settlement?
* What does it mean if Google classifies your book as commercially unavailable?
* How can Google use your book if you remain in the settlement?
ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Joy R. Butler is an attorney practicing entertainment, intellectual property, and business law. She is also the author of “The Permission Seeker’s Guide Through the Legal Jungle: Clearing Copyrights, Trademarks and Other Rights for Entertainment and Media Productions”.
REGISTRATION: The live teleseminar occurs on Thursday, April 2, 2009, at 3:00 p.m. ET/ 12:00 p.m. PT. Register at www.joybutler.com/seminarinfo.htm