Respect My Authoritah! Viacom adds spice to YouTube lawsuit

Rob Illidge (Marketing Execuitve)

I read in the Times this morning that Viacom have now alleged that the use of copyrighted material was central to YouTube’s website business model.

This of course is in relation to the argument that the content-sharing website had hosted more than 60,000 copyrighted videos without authorisation, including versions of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and South Park.

The figure of the lawsuit? $1bn! Surely plucked out of American lawsuit heaven.

It could be sadi that perhaps back in 2005 YouTube had a visitor’s first/worry about copyright infringement later attitude. Something I’m sure many young  inspiring online entrepreneurs do.

I’m not in any way condoning the breach of copyright; although I do have my trusty Intellectual Property Solicitor here at the ready, should the Viacom heavies come knocking at my door. Not tonight though, I’ll be out!

There is no doubt that these videos are property of Viacom, but surely YouTube is simply giving shows like South Park the product extension that it needs? Read more »