Anthropic - Book Copyrights Class Action Settlement
What Is the Anthropic Copyright Settlement About?
This lawsuit alleges that Anthropic used pirated books to train its AI models by downloading copyrighted works from Library Genesis (LibGen) and Pirate Library Mirror (PiLiMi) without permission. According to the complaint, this unauthorized use infringed the exclusive rights of authors, publishers, estates, and other copyright owners. Anthropic denies these claims. The Court did not decide who was right—both sides agreed to settle to avoid the cost and length of continued litigation.
How Much Is the Anthropic Copyright Settlement Payout?
If you're eligible and file a claim, you may receive a cash payment from the $1.5 billion Settlement Fund.
The settlement is estimated to provide around $3,000 per qualifying work, before deducting administrative costs, attorney fees, and service awards.
The final payout amount will vary based on the number of valid claims submitted and the number of works each rightsholder owns.
The Settlement Fund will be evenly divided among all valid claims, with deductions applied as approved by the Court.
Am I Eligible to File a Claim?
You may be eligible if:
- You are the legal or beneficial copyright owner of a book appearing in the searchable Works List provided on the official settlement website.
To qualify, your book must:
- Have been downloaded by Anthropic from LibGen or PiLiMi
- Have a valid ISBN or ASIN
- Have been registered with the U.S. Copyright Office within five years of publication
- Have been registered before Anthropic downloaded it, or within three months of publication
Eligible rightsholders include publishers, authors, estates, literary agencies, and academic institutions.
Is the Anthropic Copyright Settlement Legit?
Yes. The Anthropic copyright settlement is legitimate, and the official Anthropic Settlement Website has been authorized by the Court as the verified source for details.
Consumers can visit the website to:
- Search the Works List
- File a claim
- Review the Notice and settlement documents
- Learn about the Anthropic Copyright Settlement
- Contact the settlement administrator for assistance
The settlement received preliminary approval on September 25, 2025, and will proceed to a final fairness hearing after objections and appeals are resolved.
When’s the Claim Deadline?
You must submit an Anthropic settlement claim form online or by mail by:
- March 23, 2026
Other key deadlines:
- Opt Out Deadline: January 7, 2026
- Objection Deadline: January 7, 2026
These dates may shift based on Court scheduling, so check the official settlement website regularly for updates.
Who Qualifies for the Anthropic Copyright Settlement?
The Anthropic class action settlement covers:
All legal or beneficial copyright owners of books included in the Settlement’s Works List that were downloaded by Anthropic from LibGen or PiLiMi and meet the registration requirements.
If your book appears in the official Works database, you may qualify to receive a settlement payment for each eligible work you own.
How Do I File an Anthropic Settlement Claim Form?
To submit an Anthropic copyright settlement claim form online, visit the official settlement website and follow the listed steps.
If filing online:
- Search the Works List
- Confirm ownership of each listed work
- Complete a separate claim form for each work
If filing by mail:
- Download and print the claim form
- Fill out all required fields
- Mail the completed form so it is postmarked by March 23, 2026
If you do nothing, your outcome depends on what other rightsholders for your work do:
- If another owner files a claim and confirms your rights, you may still receive payment
- If another rightsholder opts the work out, the work is excluded
- If no one acts, you will not be paid and will give up your right to sue Anthropic regarding the claims covered by this settlement
