Thursday, 31. July 2008
YouTube Faces Charges Over Copyrighted Video Clips
Mediaset, the Italian media group, is suing Google for about 500-millon euro (USD 779m) over alleged illegal commercial use of copyrighted video clips on YouTube. The suit, filed in civil court in Rome, names both YouTube and parent company Google. Mediaset operates television stations in Italy and Spain and produces films and TV shows.
Mediaset said a sample of YouTube videos found at least 4,643 videos and clips owned by them, equivalent to more than 325 hours of transmission without having rights. Mediaset claims they've lost 315,672 days of broadcasting due to YouTube uploads.
"With the information that has come to light and the quantity of (Mediaset) files illegally on the site, it is possible to calculate that the group's three cannels have lost 315,672 audience viewing days," a company statement said.
Google issued a separate statement, sticking to its company line and promising to remove the copyrighted material. "There is no need for legal action. We prohibit users from uploading infringing material and we cooperate with all copyright holders to identify and promptly remove infringing content as soon as we are officially notified," said YouTube in a statement.
YouTube is already tackling a USD 1 billion copyright lawsuit filed by U.S. media giant Viacom, which similarly claims that its content is offered on YouTube without permission.