Educational Publishers Take Legal Action Against Dozens of eBook Sites that use Google Ads to Sell Pirated Content

NEW YORK, Nov. 25, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Educational Publishers Enforcement Group (EPEG) members, consisting of Cengage, Elsevier, Macmillan Learning, McGraw-Hill and Pearson, have filed a lawsuit in federal court against dozens of pirate eBook sites that sell illegal, unlicensed eBooks using Google ads. In conjunction with filing the suit, EPEG sought and received a Temporary Restraining Order that requires the immediate shut down of the illegal activity on these sites, as well as the cessation of the services that support these illegal sites.  

The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, asserts a claim for federal copyright infringement. The lawsuit against the pirate eBook sites states that the operators of these websites pay Google to place prominent ads in response to searches for the publishers' legitimate content. The pirate sites' use of Google ads to sell infringing content runs counter to Google's own policies. These sites rely on legitimate payment processors, domain hosts and other internet services providers, all of whom are required by the Court's injunction to stop facilitating the pirate websites' illegal activity.

"These pirate websites are engaged in blatantly illegal activity that causes great harm to all those who earn a living from legitimate textbook sales. Publishers are committed to protecting their investment in scholarship, academic instruction and learning," said Matt Oppenheim, who serves as lead counsel to EPEG.

The sale of pirated textbooks reduces incentives for publishers to invest in newer, updated learning materials and business models that promote more affordable options for course materials.  EPEG's enforcement efforts seek to create a level playing field for those distributors and businesses that play by the rules, purchasing and selling legitimate and licensed products.

About Cengage
Cengage is the education and technology company built for learners. As the largest US-based provider of teaching and learning materials for higher education, we offer valuable options at affordable price points. Our industry-leading initiatives include Cengage Unlimited, the first-of-its-kind all-access digital subscription service. We embrace innovation to create learning experiences that build confidence and momentum toward the future students want. Headquartered in Boston, Cengage also serves K-12, library and workforce training markets around the world. Visit us at www.cengage.com or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

About Elsevier
Elsevier is a global information analytics company that helps institutions and professionals progress science, advance healthcare and improve performance for the benefit of humanity. Elsevier provides digital solutions and tools in the areas of strategic research management, R&D performance, clinical decision support, and professional education; including ScienceDirect, Scopus, ClinicalKey and Sherpath. Elsevier publishes over 2,500 digitized journals, including The Lancet and Cell, more than 35,000 e-book titles and many iconic reference works, including Gray's Anatomy. Elsevier is part of RELX Group, a global provider of information and analytics for professionals and business customers across industries. For more information, visit www.elsevier.com.

About Macmillan Learning
Macmillan Learning is a privately-held, family owned company that improves lives through learning. By linking research to learning practice, we develop pioneering products and learning materials for students that are highly effective and drive improved outcomes. Our engaging content is developed in partnership with the world's best researchers, educators, administrators, and developers. To learn more, please visit macmillanlearning.com or see us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or join our Macmillan Community. 

About McGraw-Hill
McGraw-Hill is a learning science company that delivers personalized learning experiences that drive results for students, parents, educators and professionals. We focus on educational equity, affordability and learning success to help learners build better lives. Headquartered in New York City, McGraw-Hill has offices across North America, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and South America, and makes its learning solutions for PreK-12, higher education, professionals and others available in more than 75 languages. Visit us at mheducation.com or find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter. 

About Pearson
We are the world's learning company with more than 24,000 employees operating in 70 countries and a mission to help people make progress in their lives through learning. We combine world-class educational content and assessment, powered by services and technology, to enable more effective teaching and personalized learning at scale. We believe that wherever learning flourishes so do people. For more information, visit www.pearson.com.

Media Contacts:

Cengage:
Emily Featherston
Emily.featherston@cengage.com 
617.757.8035

Elsevier:
Tom Reller
Global Communications
t.reller@elsevier.com

Macmillan Learning:
Marisa Bluestone 
Marisa.Bluestone@Macmillan.com
202.699.1495

McGraw-Hill:
Tyler Reed
Tyler.reed@mheducation.com
646.766.2951

Pearson:
Scott Overland
Scott.overland@pearson.com
202.909.4520

SOURCE McGraw-Hill