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February 18, 2010
NYC judge expresses doubts about Google books deal
Feb. 18, 2010
LARRY NEUMEISTER and TOM HAYS
The Associated Press
NEW YORK - A hearing to decide the fairness of a deal that would let Google create the world's largest digital library has ended , but not before a judge expressed skepticism.
Judge Denny Chin raised questions toward the end of a five-hour hearing in federal court in Manhattan indicating he had doubts about the $125 million settlement of two lawsuits.
The judge questioned why the settlement gave Google publishing rights well into the future rather than merely rectifying harm that led authors and publishers to sue it five years ago.
He said settlements typically do not give companies a release from legal claims in the future. Lawyers for Google and authors and publishers who reached the deal defended it as fair.
The judge said he'll rule later.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
NEW YORK (AP) , A hearing to decide the fairness of a deal that would let Google create the world's largest digital library has ended , but not before a judge expressed skepticism.
Judge Denny Chin raised questions toward the end of a five-hour hearing in federal court in Manhattan indicating he had doubts about the $125 million settlement of two lawsuits.
The judge questioned why the settlement gave Google publishing rights well into the future rather than merely rectifying harm that led authors and publishers to sue it five years ago.
He said settlements typically do not give companies a release from legal claims in the future. Lawyers for Google and authors and publishers who reached the deal defended it as fair.
The judge said he'll rule later.
Posted by tumulty at February 18, 2010 6:35 PM
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