Since 2005, Google has digitally scanned over 10,000,000 books from various libraries, indexed them in its search database, and for those books under copyright and not part of its Partner Program, displaying so-called “snippets” of their content – up to three portions each no more than 8-12 lines in length – without permission from the copyright owners. As a result, a group of authors and publishers filed suit, now as a class action, for copyright infringement. Google has responded with several defenses, including the assertion that everything it is doing is a fair use under Section 107 of the Copyright Act.
Last October, the parties announced a proposed settlement of the case. The settlement agreement is over 300 pages and quite complex. It has many supporters as well as critics. Objections to the settlement can be filed up until September 4, 2009. On October 7, 2009, Judge Denny Chin will hold a hearing on whether the proposed settlement is “fair, reasonable, and adequate” to the class members.
Source: http://cyberlawcases.com
What I personaly believe is that based on fair use excuse Google is right in publishing some parts of those copy righted books. So, I believe Google's excuse should be accpeted by the court.
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