Internet users are all too familiar with the debate over copyright infringement when it comes to music, movies and more. The organizations claiming to be victims of copyright infringement harass their customers from a pretty high ground, however each day that passes by only makes it more apparent their high ground is built of money instead of morals.
“Viacom: It’s Not Copyright Infringement When We Do it to You” is a hilarious and upsetting story of one company’s blatant hypocrisy in their stance on copyright infringement. Filmmaker Chris Knight created a quirky advertisement to support his campaign for Rockingham County Board of Education, and posted the clip on YouTube. Viacom featured the clip on their show Web Junk 2.0 without Knight’s permission. When Knight re-posted the Web Junk 2.0 clip online, Viacom threatened legal action and had the clip removed. Here’s Knight’s take:
“Viacom used my video without permission on their commercial television show, and now says that I am infringing on THEIR copyright for showing the clip of the work that Viacom made in violation of my own copyright!”
Knight makes it clear that Viacom never made an attempt to seek out permission to use his creative work on their television show. The takedown notice sent to him through YouTube is actually the first (and at this point only) communication he has had with Viacom.
One might think the organizations who wish to be seen as victims of copyright infringement might consider their actions more carefully. Unfortunately all the law degrees and MBAs floating around Viacom cannot substitute for common sense. How anyone could not forsee the tragic irony in this situations is beyond me.
