Good news: Universals’ copyright suit against Veoh given the arse

Universal Music Group’s (UMG) copyright suit against online video provider Veoh has been dismissed, establishing a precedent that may help similar companies in the online video space.

According to a media release from Veoh, the Summary Judgment ruling “legitimizes online video sites as source for publication and consumption of video content” by “affirming Veoh`s Compliance with [the] DMCA.

“This is a great victory for Veoh that allows us to continue our focus on innovation in online video, unshackled by the distraction of this lawsuit,” said Veoh Networks Founder and Chief Executive Officer Dmitry Shapiro. “We can continue to support our many content partners, including Disney, CBS, Viacom, Sony and Time Warner, who understand the need to innovate and work together to create value in the emerging business of Internet distribution. From an industry
perspective, this decision is a big deal as well, as we now have a second clear victory showing that companies who work diligently to respect property owners and the DMCA will be able to run their businesses and be successful without the fear of those select content owners who may be uncomfortable with emerging technology.”

The decision that Veoh was DMCA compliant even when users had uploaded infringing material will offer relief to the likes of YouTube, Ustream and others who still face legal action on similar grounds.