Google's YouTube on Hot Seat Once Again - Being Sued by Viacom for U.S.$1 Billion

Well, somewhere in the intuitive crevices of my mind, I saw this forth-coming. I sensed somewhere down the line it would happen. When? I didn't know. My internal prediction, however, has just now come to light.

Apparently, MTV owner Viacom Inc. has decided to sue "YouTube", a popular video site, along with Google, in wanting more than $1 billion (U.S) in supposed damages to claims of copyright infringement.

Viacom is broadcasting that "YouTube" has shown almost 160,000 unauthorized video clips from its cable networks.

The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in New York on March 13, 2007.

Viacom and YouTube had been exchanging tensions lately, as Viacom demanded that YouTube remove over more than 100,000 unauthorized clips which were in direct violation to infringement laws. At the time, YouTube had agreed to comply but from that point on Viacom identified 50,000 more unauthorized clips.

Viacom was quick to retaliate at YouTube's business practices and pointing out that it (YouTube) was clearly illegal and obviously in conflict with copyright laws.

On the other hand, Google has responded with the belief that the courts will most definitely agree that YouTube has respected the legal rights of copyright holders.

In recent past, other media companies have locked horns with YouTube over the issue of copyright infringements, but some of these companies - like CBS corp. for one - reached deals with YouTube and agreed to the licensing of their material.

Though Google Inc. feels confident that its popular viewing video site "YouTube" has strong legal protections where copyright laws are concerned, in the meantime, YouTube enthusiasts will most likely notice a difference in YouTube's video presentations. Don't be surprised if submitted video downloads - which wreak or smell of copyright infringements - will not be as easily accessible even if many YouTube viewers brag they can still download the submitted video films without YouTube knowing about it. YouTube Videos are already in the process of being encoded with extensions making it quite or nearly impossible for proper downloading.

Thus far statistically, YouTube has had an astounding viewing audience of 1.5 billion hits.

Google's 'YouTube' may feel confident about their legal wins over Viacom's pressured lawsuit, but are still taking precautions nonetheless in making certain to win this legal battle.

Indeed, the boxing gloves are on between these two corporate media giants. Time will tell or reveal what unfolds and how YouTube watchers will be affected.

Source: Viacom's Lawsuit File Against Google