Google, YouTube Strike Similar Deals With Copyright Holders: Ink Revenue-Sharing Pacts With Universal Music Group, Sony BMG, Warner

copyright Adage.com
by Gavin O'Malley
published October 09, 2006


NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- Amid rumors of a looming Google buyout, YouTube has reached distribution partnerships with Universal Music Group, Sony BMG and CBS. Simultaneously, Google has struck similar revenue-sharing relationships with Warner Music Group and Sony BMG. (Google has an existing partnership with CBS.)

Legitimate business model
Ending a public dispute over copyright violations, Universal Music Group and Sony BMG will allow access to thousands of archived videos, letting YouTube users incorporate songs from their music catalogs into consumers' creations. The deals mirror an agreement reached in September between YouTube and Warner Music, and give YouTube a more legitimate business model, making it more attractive to any potential suitor.

FULL ARTICLE