Class Action Settlement Notices

Wichita State University recently received notice of a class action settlement involving alleged copyright infringement. A lawsuit filed in California alleges that Anthropic PBC infringed copyrights by downloading datasets containing copyrighted books in violation of the federal Copyright Act. The settlement class is defined by ownership of works that are listed on a searchable database available on the Settlement Website (the "Works List"). The only way to determine whether your work is included in the Settlement is by checking the Works List. The Works List Lookup allows you to search for works in the Class by author, title, publisher, ISBN number, ASIN number, or copyright registration number. If you are the legal or beneficial owner of a work that is in the Works List, then you are a Class Member.

This information is being provided to you so that you may determine if you should make a claim for compensation as a potential class member. Your rights and options as a class member are detailed in the Notice and on the website indicated below. The Office of General Counsel has also provided a checklist of considerations to help in determining whether to take the next steps in making a claim. We are happy to assist with any questions.

What is a Class Action Lawsuit?

Class action lawsuits consolidate similar claims from multiple individuals against a common defendant. As a member of the class, you may be entitled to compensation or other relief if the case is successful or a settlement is approved.

What are the steps I should take if I believe that I may qualify as a class member and be entitled to damages under the class action?

1. Review the Settlement Notice and Website Carefully to Ensure that you are the Appropriate Party:
   1. Confirm that you fit the description and qualifications to be a class member.
   2. Understand the Claims: Read the summary of the allegations and relief sought to determine whether you are an aggrieved member of the class based on the allegations and relief.
2. Consider the Deadline: Note the deadline for submitting a claim as set forth in the settlement notice. Missing this deadline can affect your rights.
3. Evaluate the Settlement Terms: If a settlement is proposed, review the estimated recovery amount. If the estimated recovery is minimal, there is a higher likelihood that your recovery would be minimal and it may not be a good use of your resources to make a claim if the claim submission process will take a lot of time or effort.
4. Understand the Release of Claims: Participation in the claim process almost always waives a claimant's rights to bring separate claims for the same issue in the future.
5. Document Retention: It is important to keep copies of all related communications, receipts, and documents that support your potential claim.
6. Tax Implications: Be aware that any monetary award may have tax consequences.
7. Contact the Settlement Administrator: For administrative questions (claim forms, address updates, etc.), we recommend reaching out to the Settlement Administrator (see above).

How Do I Submit a Claim?

If you have gone through the steps above, and believe that you qualify as a class member, have potential damages, and would like to submit a claim, please click on the links above to submit a claim online or download a copy of the claim form. The Office of General Counsel is happy to answer any questions you may have or to discuss if you are uncertain about whether to make a claim. Please reach out at: general.counsel@wichita.edu.