Google Will See You In Court, Viacom

Remember that little $1 Billion lawsuit Viacom filed against YouTube for "massive" copyright infringement? Many web pundits saw this as the first step on the long road to an eventual licensing deal, but today Google answered by declaring their intentions to fight it out in front of a jury:

"Viacom's complaint in this action challenges the careful balance established by Congress when it enacted the Digital Millennium Copyright Act," the answer reads in part. "By seeking to make carriers and hosting providers liable for Internet communications, Viacom's complaint threatens the way hundreds of millions of people legitimately exchange information, news, entertainment, and political and artistic expression."

Google's even hired some "ace trial lawyers" to help litigate. The spokesperson sounded quite confident in their decision to forgo negotiation, adding that Google is "more than happy to litigate. I don't view that as a business negotiation."