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Google Asks Colbert and Stewart to Testify

by Evan Shamoon on August 16, 2007 at 09:22 AM



In what promises to be the most entertaining court trial since 'My Cousin Vinny,' Google is throwing down a challenge to Viacom, which is suing the search company cum omnipresence to the tune of $1 billion for copyright infringement. The challenge: Google wants two of Viacom's best known personalities -- Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert -- to give depositions.

Before Viacom and YouTube ever dealt with each other officially, Stewart's 'Daily Show' and Colbert's 'Colbert Report' were among the most popular videos on YouTube. When the two sides initially agreed to syndicate content in October 2006, the two programs were included in the deal (that is until February, when Viacom demanded that all content to be removed from the site). And, fans of Colbert will remember that last year, he challenged his fans to make him a viral video star when he swung a lightsaber around in front of a green screen so that users could drop in their own backgrounds and edit together custom clips. Becoming a viral video star might be a little difficult without YouTube, now wouldn't it?

In addition to the two comedians, Google also requested depositions from some 30 others, including Viacom chairman Sumner Redstone and CEO Philippe Dauman. Whether the two comedians will actually be deposed is unlikely. Viacom is sure to attempt a block of the depositions, claiming that any testimony Stewart or Colbert could provide would be irrelevant to the case.

But, you never know. And if they do testify, here's to hoping the judge allows video cameras in the courtroom, because this will be huge ... on YouTube.

From BetaNews

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Tags: colbert, google, lawsuit, stewart, viacom, youtube

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