Fairness Hearing Postponed; Judge Chin Cites “Significant Issues…Fair Concerns”

As has been reported elsewhere, Judge Denny Chin granted the plaintiffs’ motion to delay the October 7 fairness hearing in the Google Book Settlement case. This has been seen by many as a clear victory for opponents to the settlement, as it acknowledges that even the parties involve recognize that the settlement, as it’s currently written, is dead, and that any chance for revival requires making serious and fundamental changes.

We were also encouraged by Judge Chin’s choice of language, in which he confirms that there is significant and widespread opposition and concern to the settlement. From his order:

“The current settlement agreement raises significant issues, as demonstrated not only by the number of objections, but also by the fact that the objectors include countries, states, nonprofit organizations, and prominent authors and law professors. Clearly, fair concerns have been raised.”