Filings Set Stage for New Ruling in GSU Copyright Case

Remand briefs have now been filed in the Georgia State University e-reserves case (Cambridge University Press v. Patton), setting the stage for a new decision in the closely watched copyright infringement action. First filed in 2008 by three academic publishers, the case alleges that GSU administrators systematically encouraged faculty members to offer unlicensed digital copies to students as a no-cost alternative to traditional coursepacks.

Bookstore Sales Rose $7 Million in May

Bookstore sales rose by just less than 1% in May compared to May 2014, according to preliminary estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau. Sales hit $766 million in May, the third straight month sales at bookstores rose, albeit slightly, over 2014. Through the first five months of 2015, bookstore sales were down 0.3%, totaling $4.19 billion.

B&N Spinoff Set For August 3

The separation of Barnes & Noble Education from Barnes & Noble, Inc. is expected to be completed August 3. As part of the spinoff, B&N stockholders will receive 0.632 shares of B&NE stock for each share they own. B&N, Inc. will also begin paying a dividend after the spin­off is completed.

Authors, Booksellers, Agents Call for DoJ To Investigate Amazon

Authors United, a loosely knit group of authors who banded together last year to apply pressure to Amazon during its then-dispute with Hachette, has called on its members to sign a new letter destined for the antitrust division of the Department of Justice. The ABA has supported the authors’ effort.

FCS Creditors To Decide Fate Of Chain by August 7

In another attempt to save its financial life, Family Christian Stores asked a bankruptcy judge to let its creditors decide the fate of the beleaguered chain by August 7. Creditors must vote by that date to approve a plan to sell the company to Family Christian Acquisition, a subsidiary of the chain’s parent company, which earlier promised to continue operating most of its 266 stores in 36 states.