AFP launched its suit in 2005 alleging that Google infringed its
copyright when it re-published its headlines, stories and
photographs. AFP is usually paid by newspapers to use the material.
The case has been dropped after the two companies agreed a
licensing deal for AFP's content.
The deal allows Google to use AFP content and AFP has agreed to
drop its lawsuit. AFP chief executive Pierre Louette said that its
material would once again be appearing on Google News, but that it
could also be used in other Google products.
"The agreement will allow uses of AFP's content in ways that go
beyond its typical use of content in Google's services, which
features just headlines and snippets of text to provide just a
taste of what an article offers," said Louette said.
The deal comes in the aftermath of a bruising legal battle in
Europe in which Google lost to Copiepresse, an association of
Belgian newspapers which claimed copyright infringement by Google
News.
The deal also follows an agreement made last year between Google
and news agency AP which involved the licensing of AP's material.
That deal did not result in AP material appearing on Google News.
The companies said at the time that the AP deal would form the
foundation of a new, yet to be unveiled, product. No such product
has yet been announced.
Like Copiepresse, AFP had sought a ruling that Google must
obtain prior permission before using its content. Google has always
argued that the fact that it is prepared to take down material once
it is published is sufficient to comply with copyright law.
