YouTube 1, Viacom 0

YOUTUBE ONE, VIACOM ZERO: YouTube owner Google’s motion for summary judgment that it qualifies for “safe harbor” protection in a lawsuit filed by Viacom, was granted today by U.S. District Court Judge Louis L. Stanton. The decision cites a provision of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act which says that Internet companies are not liable for copyright infringement if they take certain preventive measures and promptly remove copyrighted materials when notified by the owners. A Viacom spokesman called the decision "fundamentally flawed" in a statement and said the media conglomerate, which owns MTV Networks and Paramount Pictures, will appeal. (6/23p)