General

Lawsuit between Viacom and Google settles after 7 years

Most residents of Orlando, Florida, are probably aware of the web site YouTube. The site has made more than one individual, who uploaded a video on the site, famous. In addition to individuals who use the site to showcase their talent, other individuals have uploaded copyrighted materials to the video sharing site without permission.

Unhappy that clips of programs shown on Viacom channels were being uploaded to YouTube, Viacom took legal action against YouTube’s parent company, Google, in 2007. In that lawsuit Viacom alleged that YouTube profited from those clips being available on the website and sought more than $1 billion in damages. Recently, that lawsuit settled. Though the details of the settlement have not been made public, according to an anonymous source, neither company will receive money from the other.

In the years since the original lawsuit was filed, YouTube, which claims it removes unauthorized videos when asked to do so, has grown considerably. In addition, the two companies have partnered in some endeavors. Because of this, it is not surprising that the statement released following the settlement indicates the two businesses will be “working more closely together.”

Business disputes can be expensive and time consuming. Because an interest of all businesses is making a profit, financial matters are often at the heart of the dispute. When it is possible to resolve a business dispute in a manner that is mutually advantageous, most would likely agree this is a good thing. This appears to be the case in the settlement between Viacom and Google.

Source: CNN Money, “Google, Viacom settle YouTube lawsuit,” Brian Stelter, March 18, 2014

Mon Aug 27, 1:23pm