YouTube is well-known as a peer-to-peer sharing site, however, couple of weeks ago, Viacom – a U.S. Media owner of renowned brands such as MTV, Paramount Pictures and Dreamworks has filed a US$1 billion copyright lawsuit against YouTube, the Football Association Premier League as well filed a lawsuit in New York, accusing YouTube voilating copyright law. Sames goes to NBC Universal. A report also stated that Thailand Government is considering suing YouTube for posting an offensive video of the nation's monarch. To be exact, all saying that majority of the content are violating the copyright laws. Viacom has demanded 100,000 of movie clips to be removed.
Why these companies are accusing YouTube? YouTube has actually signed agreements with many rights owners and videos or musics are to be posted and viewed legally. For me, it's more to a business talk. Google has reported its fourth-quarter revenue growth of 67% to US$3.2 billion. These companies tat filed the lawsuits are seemed to take YouTube for granted. Put it in this way, in terms of profit and higher economics status, which company doesn't want to be on top?
To some extent, I strongly agree that YouTube is actually a good tool to open up more business opportunities or media owners' exposure as YouTube has extremely high number of visitors each day. This can also help to increase the audiences or open up the market. What do you think?
Nevertheless, whether these companies end up regretting or YouTube surviving chance is yet to be seen.
Reference
Johnson, B. 2007, 'YouTube faces $1 bn lawsuit for alleged breach of copyright' in Guardian Limited, viewed on 3 June 2007, URL: http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,2033297,00.html#article_continue
Sandoval, G 2007, 'Legal troubles mount for YouTube' in CNet Asia, viewed on 3 June 2007, URL:http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/internet/0,39044246,62011339,00.htm
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