Anthropic’s $1.5B copyright settlement is getting messy as judge delays approval

A federal judge has delayed final approval of Anthropic's $1.5 billion copyright settlement, citing objections from authors. This decision comes amidst concerns that legal fees are excessively high while compensation for individual authors is inadequate. The settlement, intended to resolve claims of widespread book piracy by Anthropic to train its AI, is the largest of its kind in US history.

Authors are particularly critical of the proposed legal fees, which could reach $320 million, while individual payouts are estimated at only $3,000. Objectors argue that lawyers' compensation should reflect the number of claimants rather than the total settlement fund. Some even accuse attorneys of prioritizing their own gain over maximizing author compensation.

Furthermore, authors are demanding that Anthropic agree to restrict all future use of pirated works. They insist that all copies, digital and physical, must be destroyed before the settlement can proceed, due to ambiguities surrounding acquisition methods and the potential for continued unauthorized use.

The judge has requested authors to address these key concerns by May 21st. Anthropic is also required to file a brief explaining its stance on late opt-outs. These developments highlight the ongoing complexities and dissatisfaction surrounding the settlement, with some objectors warning that it may not withstand an appeal if terms are not re-examined.