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Google v. Authors

Much has transpired in the case between Google and book authors. Back in 2009 it was determined that photographers are not authors (Techcrunch - 11/09 - Judge In Google Book Settlement Case Says Photographers Are Not Authors) and were refused access to the Google lawsuit.

On March 22, the judge who is overseeing the possible settlement between Google and the authors rejected their agreement. The prime reason the judge rejected the agreement was that it would have been a huge exemption to existing copyright law, in that Google's "registry" of copyrighted material they would have been collecting would have automatically been included unless the authors took action to opt out.

Fortunately, while the outcome of this case doesn't directly affect photographers, the results are insightful as professional photography organizations continue to press a seperate lawsuit against Google (more information here).

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