Gawker Settles Lawsuit with HarperCollins

Gawker Media has settled its copyright dispute with HarperCollins after the New York based gossip blog posted excerpts from Sarah Palin’s autobiography.

The case headed to court last week when HarperCollins called breach of copyright over the published excerpts of “America By Heat,” a claim supported by a Manhattan judge who ordered Gawker to pull the pages pending a November 30 hearing.

HarperCollins said in a statement that the publisher is “gratified” by the settlement and that Gawker “has agreed to keep the posted material off its web site and not to post the material again in the future.” The company also said that it welcomes “public commentary on its books so long as any book content is utilized in a manner that is consistent with the law.”

Gawker responded stating that “HarperCollins’ decision to file suit against us and seek a temporary restraining order generated a good deal of press for Ms. Palin’s book in advance of publication. Now that the book is out and destined to appear on the bestseller list, we’re pleased that HarperCollins proposed settling this case, as is, to avoid lengthy litigation.”