If you’re a writer, author, or publisher whose work may have been used to train AI systems, you have 9 days left to file a claim in the Anthropic v. Bartz AI copyright lawsuit settlement. The deadline is March 31, 2026, and if you don’t file, you won’t get paid.
(h/t to Courtney Milan who wrote about this on Bluesky (@courtneymilan.com) today and put me on notice. ~ Danny)
Here’s what you need to know and how to file your claim before time runs out.
What’s at Stake?
As of March 20th, claims have been filed for 264,809 works. Based on current calculations, the settlement amount per work is estimated between $3,100 and $4,456 (divided between author and publisher if both file claims).
However, there’s an important caveat: Anthropic is paying the settlement in portions, with the final payment due in late 2027. Given current economic uncertainties, there’s no guarantee the full amount will be paid.
Critical Information for Authors AND Publishers
Here’s something many people don’t realize: If you’re an author and your publisher files a claim but you don’t, you won’t get your share. The publisher doesn’t automatically receive your portion to remit to you—your share simply disappears.
Similarly, if you’re a publisher and the author doesn’t file, you won’t receive their portion either. Both parties must file independently to receive their respective shares.
This means the actual payout per work could be higher than estimated, since many works likely have only one party (author or publisher) filing claims.
How to File Your Claim: Step-by-Step
Filing is straightforward, but you must act before March 30, 2026.
Step 1: Check If Your Work Is Eligible
Go to www.anthropiccopyrightsettlement.com and use the Works List Lookup tool. You can search by:
Author name
Book title
Publisher name
ISBN number
ASIN number
If your work appears in the database, you’re eligible to file a claim. If it doesn’t appear, see the FAQ below about eligibility requirements. (I looked up my work published by Tuttle Publishing, Mixed Martial Arts Fighting Techniques, to see if I was eligible to file a claim and, alas, they didn’t use it so I can’t file a claim… I’m wondering now, “should I take that as a diss?” 🤔 ~ Danny)
Step 2: Verify Your Rights
Determine your status:
Legal Owner: Typically the publisher who holds the exclusive right to reproduce the work in the U.S.
Beneficial Owner: Typically the author who assigned copyright in exchange for royalties
Both legal and beneficial owners should file separate claims for the same work.
Step 3: Gather Your Information
Before starting, have ready:
Details about your copyrighted work(s) (title, ISBN, publication date)
Your contact information
Information about other rightsholders (if you’re an author, you’ll need publisher info; if you’re a publisher, you’ll need author info)
Your preferred payment method
Step 4: Complete the Claim Form Online
Visit www.anthropiccopyrightsettlement.com and submit your claim form online (recommended for faster processing). You can also download a form to complete and return by mail.
If you have multiple eligible works, you can file claims for all of them on a single form.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
Ensure your claim is submitted by March 30, 2026. Late claims will not be accepted.
Step 6: Contact Your Co-Rightsholders
If you’re a publisher: Reach out to your authors immediately. Make sure they understand they need to file separately to receive their share. Provide them with the settlement website and deadline information.
If you’re an author: Contact your publisher to confirm they’re also filing. If your publisher doesn’t file, you’ll still get your 50% share—but only if you file your own claim.
Step 7: Confirm Submission
Keep a record of your submission confirmation for your records.
Important Reminders
If you have not opted out by now, you are automatically opted in. Your claims will be extinguished by this settlement whether you file or not.
Filing a claim is the only way to receive payment. There is no automatic distribution.
Both authors and publishers must file independently to receive their respective shares.
The default split is 50-50 between author and publisher, though you can claim an alternative split when submitting your form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I search and my work isn’t listed in the database?
A: If your work doesn’t appear in the Works List Lookup tool, you cannot file a claim in this settlement (like me, 😢 😭 ~ Danny). The settlement only covers works that meet ALL of these criteria:
Registered with the U.S. Copyright Office (formal registration, not just automatic copyright)
Have an ISBN
Appear on the pirate sites LibGen (Library Genesis) and/or PiLiMi (Pirate Library Mirror), which Anthropic used for training data
If your work doesn’t meet these requirements, it’s not part of this settlement class. (😡 ~ Danny)
Q: My work was used by Anthropic but isn’t on the list. Do I have any recourse?
A: Possibly. If you believe your work was used to train AI systems but doesn’t meet the settlement criteria, you may still have individual legal claims outside this settlement. Contact an intellectual property attorney to discuss your options.
Q: What if my copyright was never registered?
A: Unfortunately, unregistered works are not covered by this settlement. However, if your work was published within the last five years, you can still register the copyright at www.copyright.gov/registration/. This won’t help with this particular settlement, but it will protect your rights going forward and is required before you can file an infringement lawsuit.
Q: Can I file for multiple works?
A: Yes. You should file a claim for each work you hold rights to, but you can submit all claims on a single form.
Q: What if I commissioned a translation or other derivative work?
A: Both the original rights holder and the creator of the derivative work (like a translator) may have separate claims and should both file independently.
Q: When will I receive payment?
A: The earliest anticipated payment date is August 2026 if there are no objections to the settlement. However, Anthropic’s payment schedule extends through late 2027, so full payment may take longer.
Q: What happens if I miss the deadline?
A: You will not receive any settlement payment, and your claims will still be extinguished by the settlement. There are no extensions.
Q: How much will I actually receive?
A: The exact amount won’t be known until after the claims period closes and a full accounting is completed. Current estimates range from $3,100 to $4,456 per work. This amount is split 50-50 between author and publisher (if both file). If only one party files, they receive only their 50% share—the other 50% is not distributed.
Q: What if I don’t have my publishing contract?
A: The settlement presumes a default 50-50 split between authors and publishers. If you don’t have documentation showing a different split, the default will apply. Try to obtain a copy of your contract from your publisher if possible.
Q: Do I need a lawyer to file a claim?
A: No. The claims process is designed to be completed by individual rightsholders. However, if you have questions or concerns about your rights, consulting with an IP attorney is always advisable.
Q: What if I’m not in the United States?
A: You can still file a claim if your work meets the eligibility criteria. The settlement covers all copyright owners, regardless of location. You may need assistance from someone in the U.S. to help you navigate the process.
Don’t Wait—File Now
With only 9 days remaining, don’t risk leaving money on the table. It’s super easy to do and your quest may end in the search stage like mine did. 😔 But still you could be different. So, visit www.anthropiccopyrightsettlement.com today to search for your work and file your claim.
If you need assistance with the claims process or have questions about your intellectual property rights, professional legal guidance can make all the difference, so the rest of this article is for you 👇
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