Microsoft Criticizes Google's Stand on Copyright Issues

Recently, Microsoft publicly attacked rival company Google Inc., criticizing them in regards to their carefree approach when dealing with copyright issues.

Microsoft's harsh comments came shortly after Google signaled their intent to move into new media markets in an effort to further expand their corporate influence. Microsoft argued that Google's latest venture would come at the expense of those who hold copyrights on many books, videos and software.

In a statement addressed to several media correspondents, Microsoft representative Thomas Rubin went so far as to imply that Google is acting like thieves stating that, "Companies who create no material of their own, and make money solely on the backs of other people's content, continue to rake in billions of dollars through advertising revenue and I.P.O.s". (Source: nytimes.com)

This is not the first time Google has been criticized regarding issues of copyright. Currently, Google is in the midst of a lengthy infringement lawsuit brought on by five book publishers. The class action suit is organized by the Association of American Publishers, a large industry trade group.

Rubin further added that the difference between Google and Microsoft is that Google allows all material to be freely copied until the copyright owners intervene and tell them to stop. Microsoft, on the other hand, asks the copyright owners for permission before they allow any material to be copied from their sites. (Source: nytimes.com)

Google was quick to defend themselves against Microsoft's harsh comments, stating that their company currently works extensively with more than 10,000 publishing partners to make many of their books and other forms of media readily available online.

Google further argued that by exposing their products on Google sites, publishers open their material to an international audience and typically experience an influx in added revenue. (Source: ft.com)