What is the Settlement About?
This Settlement resolves a class action lawsuit brought against Anthropic over the company’s use of allegedly pirated books to train its AI model.
The plaintiffs claim that Anthropic infringed protected copyrights by downloading books from Library Genesis (LibGen) and Pirate Library Mirror (PiLiMi). Anthropic denies these claims. The Court didn’t decide who was right. Instead, both sides agreed to settle to avoid more litigation.
What is the current status of the Settlement?
The Settlement Administrator is notifying people about the Settlement. Class Members can search for their books on the Works List and file a claim.
On September 25, 2025, the Court granted initial approval of the Settlement. Next, the courts will hold a fairness hearing, resolve any appeals, and make a final decision.
What benefits does the Settlement Provide?
If approved, the Settlement provides a cash payment to Class Members who file a valid and timely claim. The Settlement Fund includes approximately $3,000 per work, before deducting costs, fees, and expenses, as described below.
The Settlement also requires Anthropic to destroy all books that it downloaded from the LibGen or PiLiMi datasets and any copies of those books, subject to Anthropic’s existing legal preservation obligation or obligation pursuant to court order under either U.S. or international law, and then provide written confirmation.
What fees and expenses will be paid from the Settlement Fund?
Under the Settlement, Anthropic has agreed to establish $1.5 billion Settlement Fund. The Settlement Fund will be divided evenly based on the number of works for which valid claims are submitted.
The Settlement Fund will also be used to pay for notice and administrative costs related to the Settlement, attorneys’ fees and expenses, and any service awards for the Class Representatives.
Who is included as a Class Member?
If you own the copyright to a book included in this searchable database, then you are a Class Member.
How was the Class Determined?
The Class consists of all legal or beneficial copyright owners of the books included in the Settlement.
To qualify, your book must:
- have been downloaded by Anthropic from LibGen or PiLiMi;
- have an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) or Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN);
- have been registered with the United States Copyright Office within five years of publication; and
- have been registered before being downloaded by Anthropic, or within three months of publication.
The Class includes publishers, authors (including estates), and academic institutions.
Your Legal Rights and Options
These deadlines may be moved, canceled, or otherwise modified, so please check this site often for updates.
| Action & Due Date | Status | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
Submit a Claim Form March 23, 2026 | Status: Upcoming | Explanation: To ensure that you are eligible to receive a payment, you must submit a valid Claim Form by March 23, 2026. Submitting a valid Claim Form is the only way to guarantee that you will receive a payment from this Settlement. You can receive payment for each qualifying work you own. You also give up the right to sue Anthropic over the legal claims this Settlement resolves. |
Exclude Yourself and all Rightsholders from the Settlement (“Opt Out”) January 7, 2026 | Status: Upcoming | Explanation: You may exclude yourself and every other legal and beneficial owner of your work by following the directions below by January 7, 2026. This is the only option that allows you to bring your own separate lawsuit against Anthropic for the claims this Settlement resolves. If you exclude yourself and all other rightsholders, you will give up the right to receive any payment from this Settlement and will prevent all other legal and beneficial owners of your works from receiving any payment from this Settlement. If you exclude yourself and all other rightsholders from the Settlement, you cannot object to it, and other legal and beneficial owners of your works also cannot object to the Settlement. |
Object to the Settlement January 7, 2026 | Status: Upcoming | Explanation: You may object to the Settlement by January 7, 2026 by writing to the Court and informing it why you do not think the Settlement should be approved. You will still be bound by the Settlement if it is approved. If you object, you may still file a Claim Form to receive a payment from this Settlement. |
Do Nothing | Explanation: If you do nothing, one of three outcomes may result, depending on what the other rightsholders for your work do.
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