Google fined $430,000 for breaching copyright

A Paris court has found Google guilty of copyright infringement in a ruling which could have ramifications for its plans to digitise the world's books. The search giant must pay $430,000 (300,000 euros) in damages and interest to French publisher La Martiniere.

It was one of many to take Google to court for digitising its books without explicit permission. Google was also ordered to pay $14,000 a day until it removes extracts of the books from its database.

Google expressed disappointment at the ruling. "French readers now face the threat of losing access to a significant body of knowledge and falling behind the rest of internet users," said a spokesman for the firm.

Serge Eyrolles, head of the French publisher's union Syndicat National de l'Edition, said he was "completely satisfied with the verdict".

"It shows Google that they are not the kings of the world and they can't do whatever they want," he said.

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