DOJ Probes Google Book Search

DOJ Probes Google Book Search

Google is facing an investigation from the US Department of Justice on its $125m (£76m) deal with book publishers closed in 2008. The agreement may have unravelled some issues by book publishers regarding Google’s Book Search service, but it is reported to have violated the Sherman Antitrust Act.
 

A formal notice of investigation was already released by the department, and a letter has been sent to the US District Court for the Southern District of New York.

 

DOJ assistant attorney general William Cavanaugh said, "At this preliminary stage, the US has reached no conclusions as to the merit of those concerns, or more broadly what impact this settlement may have on competition.”

 

"However, we have determined that the issues raised by the proposed settlement warrant further inquiry."

 

Google revealed that DOJ indeed made a call to hear about the impact of the proposed settlement.

 

"It is important to note that this agreement is non-exclusive and, if approved by the court, stands to expand access to millions of books in the US,” the search company said.