2025 TAA Virtual Conference: A Resounding Success

We’re thrilled to share that the 2025 TAA Conference on Textbook & Academic Authoring was a tremendous success — and it’s all thanks to our incredible attendees, speakers, sponsors, and staff who made this event truly special.

Held virtually June 9-10, this year’s conference brought together textbook and academic authors from across the country for two days of learning, connection, and inspiration. With 147 participants and a lineup of close to two dozen expert-led sessions, the event offered something valuable for every stage of the author journey — from first-time writers to seasoned scholars.

2025 TAA Virtual Conference: A Resounding Success Read More

TAA Issues Statement Opposing the Dismissal of the Copyright Register

The Textbook & Academic Authors Association (TAA) Board has issued a statement opposing the dismissal of the Copyright Register. The Statement calls on the relevant authorities to reverse this decision and reinstate the Register without delay. The full text of the statement is below.

Statement by Textbook and Academic Authors Association Opposing the Dismissal of the Copyright Register

As authors of textbooks, scholarly works, and educational resources, we express deep concern over the abrupt and unexplained dismissal of the Copyright Register, Shira Perlmutter. This action threatens the integrity of the institution responsible for protecting the rights of those who create and disseminate knowledge for the public good.

TAA Issues Statement Opposing the Dismissal of the Copyright Register Read More

Authors Guild Releases Statement on AI Licensing for Authors

The Authors Guild released a statement on December 12, 2024 stating that they believe “it is crucial that authors, not publishers or tech companies, have control over the licensing of AI rights,” and that “Authors must be able to choose whether they want to allow their works to be used by AI and under what terms.”

The statement includes six sections, including:

  • AI Training Is Not Covered Under Standard Publishing Agreement
  • Subsidiary Rights Do Not Include AI Rights
  • Authors Retain Copyright
  • Publishers Must Seek Author Permission
  • Publisher Compensation Depends on AI Licensing Role
  • Authors Should Get Majority Share in AI Licensing Deals

Authors Guild Releases Statement on AI Licensing for Authors Read More

TAA Featured in Podcast on Legal Use of Textbook Images in Teaching Materials

Watch a new episode of The A&P Professor podcast featuring a chat with TAA Board Secretary and intellectual property attorney Brenda Ulrich from Archstone Law about the legal use of textbook images in teaching materials. One of the breaks in this episode encourages listeners to check out TAA membership.

The A&P Professor podcast, for anatomy & physiology faculty, is hosted by award-winning A&P professor & author Dr. Kevin Patton, who is also past-president of TAA.

TAA Featured in Podcast on Legal Use of Textbook Images in Teaching Materials Read More

Second Circuit Rules Against Internet Archive in Copyright Case

On September 4, 2024, the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled against the Internet Archive (IA) in the copyright infringement case, Hachette v. Internet Archive, upholding a March 2023 district court ruling that AI’s lending practices violated copyright law.

IA had argued that its digital lending practices were fair use, but the district court ruled in favor of the publishers, which included Hachette, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, and Wiley, who filed the initial suit in June 2020. Here’s a detailed look at the decision by Wired, “The Internet Archive Loses Its Appeal of a Major Copyright Case.”

Second Circuit Rules Against Internet Archive in Copyright Case Read More

2025 TAA Virtual Conference on Textbook & Academic Authoring Call for Proposals Now Open

The TAA Conference Committee invites proposals for its 2025 Textbook & Academic Authoring Conference, which will be held online June 6-7. Presenting at TAA’s 2025 Conference provides an opportunity to share your knowledge, experiences, and ideas with other textbook authors, academic authors, and industry professionals. The theme is “The Future is Now.” We welcome proposals from first-time and veteran presenters! The deadline for submitting a proposal is October 13, 2024.

2025 TAA Virtual Conference on Textbook & Academic Authoring Call for Proposals Now Open Read More