Authors challenge publishers over Anthropic settlement payments

Authors are disputing claims by publishers and literary agencies over payments from Anthropic’s $1.5 billion copyright settlement. The settlement, finalized in July 2025, allows authors of nearly 500,000 titles to receive $3,000 per pirated work, with splits depending on publication status. However, authors report that some publishers are claiming payments for works they no longer own and seeking full payments instead of 50-50 splits. Victoria Strauss of Writers Beware noted that while some errors may stem from poor recordkeeping, the volume of complaints suggests a systemic issue. Authors Guild CEO Mary Rasenberger argued that the confusion stems from a complex settlement process rather than intentional wrongdoing. Meanwhile, literary agencies are also making claims, despite not holding rights to the books they represent. Courtney Milan criticized agents for attempting to claim percentages, emphasizing that authors should retain full payments for reverted works.