On March 13, 2007, media conglomerate Viacom filed a $1 billion lawsuit against Google, accusing the search engine of "massive copyright infringement" through its YouTube video site. Viacom claims that Google is hurting Viacom's value by allowing YouTube users to post clips of television programs without compensating copyright owners. Google objects to the lawsuit by claiming that an injunction against posting TV clips "threatens today's internet lifestyle."Taipei Ties: Google asks judge to drop Viacom lawsuit (May 3, 2007)
Private User Information
In July 2008 a federal judge ruled that Google had to disclose private information about YouTube users. Google had requested time to make the information anonymous, but the request was overruled. With the user information, Viacom can determine who is posting and watching any given piece of YouTube media.
Viacom-YouTube Lawsuit, Part 1
Viacom-YouTube Lawsuit, Part 2
Viacom lists many of the artworks it controls that have been, in its view, illegitimately hosted on YouTube.
Viacom-YouTube Lawsuit, Part 3
Viacom-YouTube Lawsuit, Part 4
The lawsuit also lists The Football Association Premiere League Limited as plaintiffs in a civil case against YouTube.
Viacom v. Google Central Figures
- Mahalo's Guide to Google
- Mahalo's Guide to Viacom
- InternetNews.com: Google, Viacom Lawyers Square Off on DMCA (July 20, 2007)
