Home Ent

Posted: Thurs., Apr. 17, 2008, 8:21am PT

TF1 sues YouTube

French web seeking $158m in damages

TF1, France's biggest commercial net, has filed a lawsuit against YouTube alleging wrongful use of its content and seeking e100 million ($158.3 million) in damages.

A YouTube spokesman quoted by French business daily Les Echos said the suit had been received a few days ago in California but would be judged in Paris before the Tribunal of First Instance.

In keeping with policy, TF1 has declined to comment on pending litigation.

TF1's newest legal challenge is part of a series of suits against video-sharing sites.

In December, TF1 initiated a suit against French-based file-sharer Dailymotion for $63.5 million.

The French network sued primarily over copyright infringement and failure to prevent content piracy. Dailymotion broadcast clips from some of TF1's most popular firstrun programs.

YouTube is facing even greater legal hassles Stateside. On March 11, media giant Viacom initiated a $1 billion action against the site and its corporate parent Google, primarily over unauthorized use of clips taken from Viacom's various MTV networks.


TALKBACK:

Have an opinion about this article? Be the first to comment



Print Variety
Bookmark
Get Variety:
Variety Mobile Variety Digital Variety Home Delivery
Newsletter Signup:

Featured Jobs

Variety Real Estate