Google Book Settlement Hearing Could Be a Marathon - Digits - WSJ

A milestone review starts today

Judge Denny Chin has given 28 parties five minutes each to speak. Twenty-three of those–including Microsoft, Amazon.com, AT&T and the French Republic–are scheduled to speak in opposition. The objectors are a diverse crew, including privacy watchdogs, corporate giants and lawyers speaking on behalf of Arlo Guthrie, science fiction writers and the State of Connecticut. Five, including Sony Electronics Inc. and the Center of Democracy & Technology, are expected to voice their support.

After that, Judge Chin is expected to hand the microphone to the Justice Department, which has encouraged the court not to approve the deal. The Department told the court earlier this month that even after some revisions, the settlement takes too much liberty with the class-action mechanism and could stifle competition. Representatives for Google, the Authors Guild and the Association of American Publishers will wrap up the scheduled remarks.

Google Book Settlement Hearing Could Be a Marathon - Digits - WSJ