Microsoft, Yahoo, Amazon to Oppose Google Book Settlement

The news appeared at the end of this week that Microsoft, Yahoo, and Amazon are joining forces to oppose the Google Book Rights Registry.  The three are joining the Open Book Alliance, an umbrella organization that opposes the settlement, at least in its current form.  This move comes as no surprise given how implementation of the settlement would drive traffic to Google.  I suppose it's easier to fight the prospect than to actually compete against it.  Google has noted that the settlement is non-exclusive.  Whether or not there are problems with the edges of the settlement is another matter from stopping one company from doing something that three others could do and so far choose not to do.  This is especially true of Microsoft who had their own scanning project and abandoned it.  There is nothing in the settlement that cuts out other companies from capitalizing a similar project.  I doubt the publishers would object as they would have another major outlet to sell the same materials.  As far as the notion that Google is being rewarded for breaking the law, both sides are part of this settlement.  The publishers and authors could have fought to the very end as a way of vindicating their rights.  It happens all the time.  I suppose if Microsoft settles a patent suit against it by paying favorably to license the disputed technology (custom XML in Word anyone?), would they be rewarded for breaking the law by keeping the offending application for sale?

The initial story on the opposition to the settlement is in the New York Times.  The Register has a broader overview of what's going on with links to other sites and documents.  Wired has an interesting post on its site noting how the New York Law School's advocacy on the settlement is funded in part by, gasp, Microsoft.  I wonder what position the school favors?  [MG]