Microsoft blasts Google over copyright

Cory Bergman March 5th, 2007

One of Microsoft’s top lawyers isn’t pulling any punches in a speech at the Association of American Publishers. In his prepared remarks, Thomas Rubin says that Google’s success has come at the expense of book publishers, video producers and software companies. “Google takes the position that everything may be freely copied unless the copyright owner notifies Google and tells it to stop,” Rubin said. “In essence, Google is saying to you and to other copyright owners: ‘Trust us — you’re protected. We’ll keep the digital copies secure, we’ll only show snippets, we won’t harm you, we’ll promote you.’” In response, Google’s chief legal officer said the search giant has increased exposure “and in many cases more revenue” for authors, publishers and producers of content.