France's largest private TV network, TF1, has filed a lawsuit against YouTube to the tune of 100 million Euros -- or around $158.3 million, according to VARIETY.
The suit was received by YouTube in California a few days ago, but will be judged in Paris before the Tribunal of First Instance, according to a YouTube spokesman quoted in French business daily LES ECHOS.
TF1 did not comment.
TiVo and YouTube announced an agreement on Wednesday to stream Internet videos directly to users' TV screens.
"TiVo's strategy is to bridge the gap between Web video and television and make as much content available as possible for our subscribers," said Tara Maitra, TiVo's vice president and general manager for content services to THE NEW YORK TIMES.
This is the second major entrant into the Internet video to TV game; Apple introduced Apple TV with similar features recently.
MyToons.com announced that it has inked a deal with video site YouTube to showcase the work of thousands of animators on the new MyToons branded YouTube channel.
"We have thousands of animators utilizing our free upload and streaming system to broadcast their work to the world," said Paul Ford, co-founder/president of MyToons.com. "Our new channel with YouTube provides tremendous new exposure for our artists and enhances our ability to extend the MyToons brand, as well as to reach a broader consumer base with which to share high quality original animations."
Sony Pictures Television's The Minisode Network has launched a new animation block on YouTube (www.youtube.com/MinisodeNetwork). The network features four- to six-minute versions of popular animated series, such as SPIDER-MAN, DILBERT, VOLTRON: DEFENDER OF THE UNIVERSE and THE KARATE KID.
This week's installments include Spidey's battle with Electro on SPIDER-MAN; the ultimate search for Voltron on VOLTRON: DEFENDER OF THE UNIVERSE; Lena's office transgression with Dogbert on DILBERT; and Daniel and Miyagi's adventures in Hong Kong on THE KARATE KID.
YouTube has announced the expansion of its Partner Program, the revenue-sharing arrangement whereby the most popular and prolific creators of content for the site are able to earn money from their videos. The new program allows any resident of the U.S. or Canada to apply to become a partner, with more international markets to be added soon. In evaluating applications, YouTube will focus on users who have built a significant audience and have complied with the site's terms of use. For more information, visit www.youtube.com/partners.
Viacom Inc. has filed a federal copyright infringement lawsuit against YouTube, seeking more than $1 billion in damages. Additionally, Viacom wants an injunction forcing Google and YouTube from posting clips of Viacom-owned content. The complaint contends that almost 160,000 unauthorized clips of Viacom's programming have been available on YouTube and that these clips had been viewed more than 1.5 billion times.
A new YouTube Channel for MEET THE ROBINSONS has launched with the latest trailers and clips, including a new TV spot for the film that is debuting during this Sunday's Super Bowl. Fans can check back often, as this channel will be updated regularly with the latest videos for the film. The MEET THE ROBINSONS' YouTube Channel is located at youtube.com/meettherobinsons and the official MEET THE ROBINSONS movie site is www.meettherobinsons.com.
Google Inc. announced that it has agreed to acquire YouTube, the consumer media company for people to watch and share original videos, for $1.65 billion in a stock-for-stock transaction. Following the acquisition, YouTube will operate independently to preserve its successful brand.
According to THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, Google is in negotiations to buy YouTube. Both companies have yet to comment on the reports. The article states that Google is floating $1.6 billion as a possible pricetag for the viral video site. YouTube founder/ceo Chad Hurley previously said he was not adverse to either an IPO or a sale of his quickly growing media phenomenon. However, media experts have also sighted YouTubes legal woes with companies over copyright violations as a stumbling block for any acquisition.
REN & STIMPY creator John Kricfalusi believes "Warner Bros. Cartoons hates their fans, after Warner Bros. Ent. forced YouTube to remove clips of classic Looney Tunes shorts for its website, which were posted by John K, according to the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER.
On Kricfalusis blog (johnkstuff.blogspot.com), the acclaimed animator posts informative essays about his favorite cartoons, which he has posts clips from to illustrate his point.
