Business & Technology | Sony backs Google Book in settlement | Seattle Times Newspaper

A big gamble for Sony, in many respects

Sony's position puts it at odds with Amazon, which with a coalition that includes Microsoft and Yahoo, argues that Google is trying to control the access and distribution of the largest database of books in the world. The settlement also has generated complaints from authors and independent publishers, and prompted investigations by the European Commission and U.S. Justice Department.

With Sony taking the side of Google, the debate over the lawsuit in New York could become a proxy war over electronic book readers. In March, Sony gained access to more than 500,000 e-book titles for its readers through an agreement with Google.

Business & Technology | Sony backs Google Book in settlement | Seattle Times Newspaper