You are here: silicon.com > Management > Law & Policy

Law & Policy

MySpace hit with Universal copyright lawsuit

It's "a vast virtual warehouse for pirated copies of music videos and songs", say lawyers...

Tags: universal, myspace, copyright infringement, copyright

By Greg Sandoval

Published: 20 November 2006 08:25 GMT

Universal Music Group (UMG) has sued MySpace.com, claiming the social-networking site is infringing on the copyrights of thousands of songs and videos.

Universal, owned by French media conglomerate Vivendi, claims Myspace has looked the other way as users unlawfully uploaded copyright music videos.

In a copy of court documents filed on Friday in US District Court in Los Angeles, Universal also accuses MySpace of aiding copyright infringement by reformatting clips so users can transfer them to friends or post them to other sites.

Cheat Sheets

♦ Web 2.0
♦ Mash-ups

Universal's attorneys wrote in the filing: "Defendants have made infringement free and easy. [MySpace] has turned MySpace Videos into a vast virtual warehouse for pirated copies of music videos and songs."

Universal's announcement came hours after MySpace had launched a new copyright protection tool. The companies have also negotiated for weeks over the issue of copyright, according to a Universal spokesman.

A MySpace spokesperson said in a statement: "MySpace provides an extraordinary promotion platform for artists - from major labels to independent acts - while respecting their copyrights. We have been keeping UMG closely apprised of our industry-leading efforts to protect creators' rights, and it's unfortunate they decided to file this unnecessary... litigation."

CNET News.com's Declan McCullagh contributed to this report

Greg Sandoval writes for CNET News.com

  1. Zones
  2. Management
  3. Networks
  4. Software
  5. IT Services
  6. Hardware
  1. Verticals
  2. Public Sector
  3. Financial Services
  4. Retail & Leisure

Mark Crichard Doing business with citizen developers: Beware the legal pitfalls Legal Eye: Make sure your business is protected from potential hazards

Tim Ferguson How CIOs can achieve post-recession success Q&A: McKinsey & Company on living in the 'new normal' business world


  • Jobs
Graduate Electronics Engineers with Audio / Music interests

Recent Electronics Engineering Graduates with Audio / Music interests ? Bright, motivated recent Electronics graduates with some Electronics design ...

Java Developer/Java Graduate/Music Industry/Relaxed Environment

Java Developer/Java Graduate required for expanding Music Production Company. You will be a strong Java developer with a top degree in Computer ...

Technical Project Manager - London - Music/Media

Technical Project Manager - London - Music/MediaA leading Digital Music company is looking for a Technical Project Manager, passionate about Web 2.0 ...

Agenda Setters 2009
Welcome to the ninth annual Agenda Setters poll – silicon.com's list of the top 50 most influential individuals in the technology and IT industries, from techies and CIOs to entrepreneurs and business leaders. Find out more in our latest special report.





Quick Sitemap Links: