EU to Investigate Google Book Deal

The European Union has set a September 7 date for a discussion on the controversial book deal signed by Google and the Authors Guild of America.

The European Union has said the September hearing will offer interested parties the chance to comment on the Google book deal, which is already being investigated by the United States Department of Justice,

Bloomberg this week reports that the commission “is seeking precise details on the exact scope of the settlement” as well as information as to how many European works or publications will potentially be affected by the deal. "Participants were invited to it three weeks ago," Commission spokesman Oliver Drewes said, according to Reuters.

Earlier this month the DOJ confirmed an investigation into the settlement between the search giant and the Authors Guild and the Association of American Publishers. The three last year announced that they came to a $125 million agreement with regard to pre-scanned copyright protected books, and laid out prospective plans for future revenues. Google's $125 million would be used to cover legal fees as well as establish the Book Rights Registry, aimed at resolving existing claims by authors and publishers.