The case against YouTube

THE CASE AGAINST YOUTUBE
[SOURCE: Los Angeles Times, AUTHOR: Douglas Lichtman, University of Chicago]
[Commentary] A Viacom lawyer outlines the company's case against YouTube/Google. He complains that YouTube users excerpts of copyrighted movies and television programs without authorization, and then YouTube happily distributes that contraband to the public. And Google, knowing all this and benefiting from the attention the unauthorized videos bring, has refused to take even simple steps that would reduce the infringement without meaningfully interfering with the service's legitimate use. He makes three points: 1) copyright law plays a crucial role in protecting the rights of artists and others who develop and distribute creative work -- but it must do so while making room for technological innovation, 2) providers of a new technology will often be tempted to attract a customer base by allowing copyright infringement, and 3) bad intent on the part of providers must be mercilessly punished. Above all, he concludes, copyright law can welcome only those with pure motives. Those who abuse the law's caution have no claim for its mercy.
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-oe-lichtman20mar20,...
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