Viacom Set to Appeal in YouTube Case

Viacom says a new wave of digital piracy could threaten the US media business unless federal courts overturn its defeat in a copyright-infringement lawsuit against Google's YouTube video-sharing site. The New York-based owner of MTV, Comedy Central and Paramount Pictures is expected as early as Dec 3 to file its appeal of the June decision with the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. To add firepower to its case, Viacom has brought in former U.S. Solicitor General Theodore Olson to argue.

Viacom argues, however, that establishing underlying legal precedents in its favor has become more crucial, as the Internet becomes a bigger vehicle for commerce. Broadband speeds are faster, and media companies are increasingly looking to the online distribution of video as a future of the business, its executives say.