Key hearing for publishers, Internet Archive case due to start

In the US, a federal judge was due to hear cross motions for summary judgement in a lawsuit challenging the legality of the Internet Archive’s program to scan and lend print library books, reports Publishers Weekly.

The suit was filed by the Association of American Publishers and major publishers Hachette, HarperCollins, John Wiley & Sons, and Penguin Random House in June 2020, alleging the Internet Archive’s scanning and lending of library books is piracy on an industrial scale. The Internet Archive argues that its activities are protected by fair use, and that the suit fundamentally threatens the core mission of libraries to own and lend collections in the digital age.

Lawyers have told PW it’s ‘very likely’ the case is decided at the summary stage; the case will go to trial if there is no decision.

For more of Publishers Weekly’s coverage of Hachette v. Internet Archive, click here.

Category: International news