BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese writers Wednesday said they appreciated search engine firm Google’s move to talk with them, but maintained their demand for an apology for copyright violation.

"Some progress was made during the talks with Google officials on Monday," Zhang Hongbo, deputy director of the China Written Works Copyright Society (CWWCS), a non-governmental organization that represents writers on copyright issues, told Xinhua.

"Such communication itself is positive to resolving the problem," he said. "We appreciate attempts to promote China’s excellent works internationally in digital form. What we are against is doing that illegally with infringement and piracy."

The second round of talks is likely to be held in mid November, Zhang said. "A consultant group of experts on intellectual property rights and network technologies would join the CWWCS in the coming talks."

Google’s Beijing office confirmed to Xinhua negotiation had been held with the CWWCS but did not give further details on the talks.

More than 50 writers have signed a letter to demand an apology from Google and compensation last month.

They accused Google of scanning more than 18,000 books by 570 Chinese writers without any notice and payment.

"The first goal of our actions and talks is to urge Google to admit and apologize for its infringement," Zhang said.

Although Google admitted that it had scanned more than 20,000 books under Chinese copyright for its online library at the talks on Monday, the company still denied any copyright violation, he said.
                                                                                                             Source: Xinhua