February 6, 2026
Publishers Respond to Google’s Opposition in Class Action Infringement Suit
The Association of American Publishers (AAP) today announced that Cengage Group and Hachette Book Group have responded in court to Google’s January 29th opposition to their motion to intervene in the case In re In Re Google Generative AI Copyright Litigation. As articulated in their January 15th motion to the court, Cengage Group and Hachette Book Group would serve as representatives for all publishers whose rights have similarly been infringed by Google.
Today’s reply states that Google’s opposition misrepresents the clear legal interests of publishers in this matter and misstates the law on timeliness of the motion to intervene. As hundreds of publishing houses would become Class members if the Court grants the class certification put forth by the original plaintiffs—which the AAP and its members support—it is important and necessary for publishers to step up to become directly involved and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with authors in the fight to protect two centuries of fundamental copyright law.
“The decisions of some AI developers to trample the rights of authors and publishers while raking in untold profits continues to shock the conscience,” states Maria A. Pallante, AAP President and CEO. “In this infringement lawsuit against one of the largest developers in the world, every creator, current and future, stands to benefit from the expertise and evidence that publishers can provide.”
As stated in today’s response, the authors who initiated this suit welcome the participation of publishers. “Proposed Interventors . . . [would] ensure the publishing industry’s discrete interests are fairly treated in class litigation where both authors and publishers’ rights are at stake,” the response states. “[A] class without publisher representatives risks arguments unmade and necessary evidence missing.”
The motions and underlying case, which alleges infringement of millions of works to train the AI model “Gemini,” are pending before the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
About Cengage Group
Cengage Group is a global edtech company with over 100 years of experience supporting learners. Their four operating units—Higher Education, School, Work and English Language Learning—serve millions of students from middle school to graduate school and workforce skills training in over 125 countries.
Cengage empowers student choice through trusted content, AI-driven insights, and scalable digital platforms that connect education to employment, ensuring learners gain career-ready skills and achieve tangible outcomes.
About Hachette Book Group
Hachette Book Group (HBG) is a leading U.S. general interest book publisher made up of dozens of esteemed imprints within the publishing groups Basic Books Group; Grand Central Publishing Group; Hachette Audio; Little, Brown and Company; Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; Orbit; Workman Publishing; and Running Press Group. HBG also provides custom distribution, fulfillment, and sales services to several publishing companies.
HBG’s books and authors have received the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, Caldecott Medal, Newbery Medal, Booker Prize, Nobel Prize, James Beard Award, and other major honors.
About the Association of American Publishers
The Association of American Publishers (AAP) represents the U.S. publishing industry on matters of law and policy, with a particular focus on the copyright, technology, and freedom of expression issues that make publishing possible. Founded in 1970, AAP regularly organizes and supports litigation that is of existential importance to the greater creative community. AAP’s members include large, small, and specialized publishing houses serving both local and global markets. Together, they inform and inspire the public, one work of authorship at a time.
Read the reply here.