A federal judge ruled that YouTube was under the protection of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and had not violated the law by hosting thousands of videos of such productions as The Daily Show and Sponge Bob Square Pants. The judge ruled that Viacom admitted it lacked proof that YouTube had “knowledge or awareness” of infringements and that it influenced activity while profiting, thus forfeiting its exemption from liability. (The Hollywood Reporter, April 18, 2013, by Eriq Gardner)
YouTube attorney Kent Walker hailed the ruling as victory for free flow of ideas and information. (YouTube Blog, April 18, 2013)
Viacom released a statement promising to appeal the ruling. (Blog.Viacom, April 18, 2013, by Daina Amorosano) -db
Corynne McSherry (Electronic Freedom Foundation, April 18, 2013) urged Viacom to put its energies elsewhere, “Viacom will doubtless appeal this ruling, dragging both parties back to the Second Circuit. Let’s hope that court will finally put paid to this litigation. It’s time for everyone to move on and invest in new and viable business models rather than legal fees.” -db