Publishers Battle Google Over AI Copyright Infringement

Hachette Book Group and Cengage Group seek to join a class action lawsuit against Google for allegedly misusing copyrighted material to train AI systems. The case highlights conflicts between tech platforms and copyright holders over AI training practices, with authors seeking damages for the unauthorized use of their work.

Publishers Hachette Book Group and Cengage Group have moved to enter a class action lawsuit against Google in a California federal court, alleging the tech giant misused copyrighted materials to train its AI systems.

The lawsuit claims Google engaged in widespread unauthorized copying of content, including works by authors such as Scott Turow and N.K. Jemisin, to enhance its AI capabilities. The involved publishers argue this infringement marks one of the most significant in history.

The case, which originally involved visual artists, represents a broader conflict between tech companies and copyright owners across various creative sectors. A decision by U.S. District Judge Eumi Lee on the publishers' intervention is pending.

(With inputs from agencies.)