Yesterday I reported at Search Engine Land that Viacom Sues Google For $1 Billion Over Unauthorized Videos. Viacom said they are basically tired of Google not doing enough to remove their content from YouTube. Google said they have "not received the lawsuit but are confident that YouTube has respected the legal rights of copyright holders and believe the courts will agree." For the news type of coverage, see the link above.
What did the search marketing community have to say about this?
There are two discussions, one at WebmasterWorld and the other at DigitalPoint Forums.
Meh, that's pocket change to Google; they have over $10 billion in cash and short-term investments.
Presumably the "safe harbor" clause under the DMCA will give YouTube/Google protection, but it will be interesting to see if it can be proven that they had knowledge of the infringement and didn't act upon it.
So Youtube cost Google nearly $1.7bn and now they might have to pay out another $1bn for infringing copyright.
For another 9 Billion, Google could buy Viacom. For $5 Billion they could get controling interest, and make the lawsuit go away.
Love reading this type of chatter on big news like this.
Forum discussion at WebmasterWorld and DigitalPoint Forums.
