No ruling for Google Book Search settlement

The Google Book Search fairness hearing was held yesterday and according to The Huffington Post, the judge heard from several supporters and objectors throughout the day. During the hearing, Judge Denny Chin questioned the lawyers who reached the $125 million settlement. Chin asked lawyer for authors, Michael J. Boni, why the settlement gave Google publishing rights into the future. Chin noted, “Usually it's a release of claims based on what's happened in the past. Usually you don't have a release of claims based on future conduct. Why is this case different?" Boni agreed that the case was unusual but said that the deal is fair despite objections. During the discussion about orphan works, Chin noted, “I would surmise that Google wants the orphan books and that’s what this is about.” Judge Chin noted that “there’s too much to digest” and did not rule on the settlement. According to the Wall Street Journal, Judge Chin wants to write an opinion at a later date to outline his views so the ruling could take several months.