Italian Network Mediaset Suing YouTube For $779M

July 31, 2008 6:39 a.m. EST

Rome, Italy (CNS) - Italian TV network Mediaset is claiming YouTube illegally distributed their programs. It is seeking $779 million from the video sharing website and its owner Google.

The network alleges YouTube of "illegal distribution and commercial use of audio and video files," citing that on June 10, a search through the website revealed 4,643 clips and 325 hours of Mediaset materials.

The company released a statement on Wednesday saying, "Given the information that's come to light and the quantity of illegal files on the site, it's possible to say that the group's three TV channels lost 315,672 audience viewing days."

According to the claim filed with a Rome court, they are also seeking compensation for the effect that lost viewing hours would have on the advertising profits.

YouTube already has another lawsuit to worry about. They are currently facing a $1 billion copyright infringement lawsuit filed by Viacom.