PACA joins ASMP, GAG, and NANPA to file objections to proposed Google Settlement

New York (USA), 11 SEPTEMBER 2009 - The Picture Archive Council of America (PACA) has joined the efforts of the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP), the Graphic Artists Guild (GAG), the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA), and several prominent individual photographers, in filing documents in opposition to the proposed settlement of the consolidated copyright infringement actions against Google instituted by the Authors Guild, Inc. and the Association of American Publishers, Inc.

PACA stands with the other trade associations in the assertion that our interests were excluded from the settlement process as well as from the proposed $125 million settlement.

As you may recall, earlier this year, PACA joined with ASMP in a published a statement expressing concerns about the class action settlement between authors, publishers and Google, and indicated its intention to file objections.

Since that time, the four professional associations have joined forces, working together to oppose the settlement which excludes photographers and graphic artists from millions of dollars in payment, as well as from participation in future revenues to be generated by Google under the proposed settlement.

“The interests of our membership and the viability of their licensing business are at stake here. Our member community has copyright interests that also need to be protected and addressed by the Settlement, and we need to raise our voice as it’s not currently there,” said Maria Kessler, PACA President. ASMP took the lead in the filing.

For more information, contact
Cathy Aron, Executive Director, PACA
execdirector@pacaoffice.org or
Nancy Wolff, Esq., General Counsel, PACA
counsel@pacaoffice.org
Picture Archive Council of America (PACA)
Phone: 714.815.8427