Authors allege publishers and agents overreach on Anthropic AI copyright settlement payouts
Writers receiving Anthropic settlement checks say publishers and some agents are claiming portions of the payments they may not be entitled to.
Anthropic's copyright settlement, finalized in July, allocates $3,000 for each of about 500,000 works used without permission in AI training, splitting the sum 50-50 with traditional publishers when a book remains in print. Authors who have begun receiving payment alerts are now claiming that publishers are asserting rights on titles whose copyrights have reverted or are demanding the entire payout, contrary to the settlement terms.
Mystery writer April Henry cited a HarperCollins claim on a book that reverted 17 years ago, and similar complaints have surfaced across the industry. Victoria Strauss of Writers Beware describes the pattern as systemic rather than isolated, while Authors Guild CEO Mary Rasenberger attributes it to inadequate record-keeping. Additionally, some literary agents are reportedly trying to claim a share, even though they do not own the rights. The controversy highlights the challenges of administering a massive AI-related copyright settlement.
Why it matters
Incorrect payment allocations could strip authors of rightful earnings and reveal weaknesses in AI copyright settlement processes.
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