We’re finally nearing the end of this saga. Yesterday, Publishers Weekly reported that Macmillan has finalized their e-book settlement with the state and consumer classes. The agreement has been sent to Judge Cote, who is expected to approve it.

The final total for Macmillan was $26 million, $20 million of which is earmarked for consumer compensation. The payout is expected by summer.

I’m hoping that’s also a date for the settlement money due from the other publishers. Last year, I read that Judge Cote would be reviewing the other settlements in February. I haven’t heard anything about that ruling, and I assume she’s waiting to rule on everything at once. If anyone has heard differently, please share it with us.

Of course, Macmillan is claiming no wrong-doing as a part of the settlement. Late last week, Judge Cote denied a jury trial for the Penguin case. While it might have been interesting to see how a jury would have ruled, that’s probably for the best.

This saga grinds slowly and inevitably to a close. Really, publishers, wouldn’t it have been better to have just adapted with the times rather than going through all this? I have to think it would have cost you lots less money.

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  1. Judge Cote approved the final settlements for the first three settling publishers — Hachette, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster — on February 8. Here’s the document: https://ebooksagsettlements.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=XhsBtt7UpR0%3d&tabid=79&mid=451

    Following that approval, there was a 30-day period for the filing of appeals. None were expected, and to my knowledge none were filed. The refunds from those three publishers should start appearing fairly soon now.

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