Veoh Takes Legal Action to Protect Rights of Copyright Compliant Companies Offering Innovative Online Content Solutions

Veoh Takes Legal Action to Protect Rights of Copyright Compliant Companies Offering Innovative Online Content Solutions

Reinforces Commitment to IP Friendly Marketplace for Consumers and Content Providers

In the face of unreasonable threats by Universal Music Group (UMG), Veoh has filed an action in Federal court to reinforce its rights as a copyright compliant company under the safe harbor provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

Veoh is making use of widely available Internet technology to enable viewers and content holders to come together in a new market for the consumption of online video. In this market, Veoh is actively taking steps to create a copyright friendly environment.

“It is unfortunate that UMG prefers to take actions that are designed to stifle innovation, shut down new markets and maintain the status quo instead of working to change and evolve models for today and the future,” said Steve Mitgang, CEO of Veoh Networks.

Veoh’s court action seeks a declaration that it has not infringed UMG’s copyrights, and that because Veoh complies with the copyright laws, it is entitled to safe harbor under the DMCA from any claims brought by UMG. The action does not seek payment from UMG for damages.

Veoh is committed to creating and supporting a service where consumers get access to the video content they want in a manner respectful of copyright holders. This is evidenced by thousands of independent content producers utilizing Veoh to publish video content and relationships with dozens of major media brands. All of these efforts include ongoing, diligent compliance with the DMCA through proactive distribution of automated tools that enable enforcement of DMCA notification and prevent repeat offense publishing.

Veoh is also working with industry groups such as the MPAA and content holders to implement state of the art technologies that include filtering and special compliance tools for copyright holders. Adds Mitgang, “we are disappointed that we were forced to take this action, and consistent with our policy, are prepared to respond when and if UMG provides us with DMCA notice.”

About Veoh Networks

Veoh Networks is an innovative Internet Television company that delivers broadcast-quality video programming via the Internet.

The Veoh Networks’ portfolio includes Veoh.com – one of the most popular video hosting services on the Internet with over 85,000 content publishers – from Paramount Pictures, Lions Gate, PBS, National Lampoon, Road and Track and Us Magazine to thousands of independent filmmakers and content producers – that currently attracts over 16 million unique users per month, and VeohTV – a free downloadable application that turns online video into Internet Television. VeohTV makes it easy to turn any computer into a digital video recorder that allows viewers to watch and record shows from thousands of Internet video sources. For advertisers, Veoh offers compelling ways of engaging with a targeted audience and measuring performance of their ad buys.

Veoh Networks is a privately held company that is backed by leading technology and media investors. The company’s principal offices are in Los Angeles and San Diego, California.

Contacts

For more information:
Jeffrey Klein, 212-981-5189
or
Debra Carey, 212-981-5219