News: Robert Tur (of LA News Service who shot the famous footage of Reginald Denny’s beating) was the first person to sue YouTube for copyright infringement. Well, after other plaintiffs (with deeper pockets) later sued YouTube in other jurisdictions, Tur decided to have his case dismissed to join one of the class action suits in New York. That way, Tur won’t have to pay legal fees himself, but can free ride on the work of the attorneys already in the case.
In a somewhat unusual move, YouTube opposed the dismissal, basically desiring the case in California to proceed forward (or presumably have Tur’s claims completely extinguished). The district court, however, ruled in favor of Tur, allowing him to join the other case in New York. (More)
Analysis: YouTube probably felt relatively good about its chances of prevailing in California and hoped to score a first victory that could influence other courts. We’ll now see which court will be the first to decide in 2008.
For more about all the copyright cases against YouTube, visit here.
October 25, 2007 at 2:50 pm |
I have to wonder if this is Youtube showing a sign of weakness on those class action cases. Sure, they felt comfortable that they could beat up on a single videographer with his limited means but apparently they’re more worried that they can take on these class action suits.
I think you’re right that Google was looking for an easy win out of the gate but doesn’t appear to be getting a free ride just yet. Now round one is going to be against a much tougher opponent and I don’t think they feel too good about their chances.
2008 is going to be a big year for YouTube and Google. It’s just a matter of big in what way.