YouTube & Viacom just settled today on a $1 billion lawsuit that Viacom, parent company to MTV and other entertainment properties, filed back in 2007. Viacom was pissed that YouTube was infringing on copyrights (that ol’ dog and pony show) and now, fast forward seven years, it’s all over. While no money changed hands according to inside sources, the exact terms of the settlement were not disclosed. So no big deal for you, right? Wrong. This lawsuit and resultant settlement have bigger implications that might just reach right into your pocket. how? Find out below with the five biggest reasons this Viacom/YouTube settlement matters to you.
5. More Usable Content Access
Imagine a world where two of the biggest entertainment companies on Earth are collaborating instead of feuding. Suddenly a whole lot of doors are going to open for creators in terms of how YouTube and Viacom function. Whatever this deal is, it is going to facilitate positive opportunities for YouTubers to cross over and become more involved with Viacom properties. Already we’re seeing shades of that with YouTube skit group Our2ndLife helping with hosting duties at the MTV Movie Awards. That should be just the tip of the iceberg.
4. It Shows YouTube Is Willing To Play Hardball
YouTube got hit with $1 billion in a lawsuit and they didn’t break, bend or budge. Granted, they were the defendants and didn’t have much of a choice, but they could have wound up settling a long time ago and caved under the pressure. They held through and eventually came up with what most analysts are calling a victory. It’s that sort of mettle that is going to carve through the entertainment landscape and show the bullies that its better to get in line than to attack the Google-backed company.
3. YouTube Can Be Back On The Offensive
With lawsuits, a sort of batten-down-the-hatches mentality creeps in and casts a pallor over how a company operates. And this particular pallor has had seven years’ worth of stink attached to it. Now that the way has been cleared, YouTube can spread its wings and test out new ventures that it might have been a little hesitant to engage in. What those ventures are, I couldn’t guess … but if I was put on the spot, I would speculate time travel. And gluten-free pancakes. Then again, I’m not really good on the spot.
2. … Actually, It Sort of Doesn’t …
Viacom content is already on YouTube; it is accessible for use from a creative standpoint, so as a general ruling, this doesn’t do much for your ability to work with the merchandise. And as far as access goes, YouTube has progressed to the point where companies like Viacom can’t just ignore their presence, so it doesn’t affect you all that much as a pure creator … unless of course, you like:
1. Monetization!
Yup, likely this settlement clears the way for money to go from Viacom’s pocket and into yours. Granted, the Sumner Redstone-helmed corporation is going to make their nut one way or another, but MCNs should now have the go-ahead to leverage this settlement so that you can insert yourself into episodes of “South Park” online and get paid for doing it.
How do you think this affects you? Will it be good, bad or neutral? Let us know in the comments below.
And here’s more lawsuit talk to get your legal eagle on:
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BREAKING: Maker Studios CEO Ynon Kreiz Sends Company-Wide Email Addressing Danny Zappin Lawsuit
Ray William Johnson to Maker Studios: ‘The Lawsuit Starts Now’
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