The Bookseller.com

9th January 2009

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Microsoft attacks Google over copyright

06.03.07

Microsoft has launched a fierce attack on Google over its "cavalier" approach to copyright, accusing the internet company of exploiting books, music, films and television programmes without permission, reports the FT.

Tom Rubin, associate general counsel for Microsoft, will say in a speech at the Association of American Publishers annual meeting that while authors and publishers find it hard to cover costs, “companies that create no content of their own, and make money solely on the back of other people’s content, are raking in billions through advertising and initial public offerings”.

Microsoft is trying to differentiate itself from Google by portraying itself as more sympathetic to copyright holders than Google. Patricia Schroeder, AAP president, said it had agreed to work with Microsoft and others to develop principles on responsible book search.

FT

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