Video-sharing service RedLasso has responded to a firmly worded cease-and-desist order doled out by several TV networks last week, saying the First Amendment trumps their claims of copyright infringement.
"We believe what we're doing is legal otherwise we wouldn’t be doing it," RedLasso COO Al McGowan told news blog NewTeeVee.
The video-sharing site is refusing to disband its service, which offers clips of broadcast TV for embedding, despite threats of legal action. Fox, CBS and NBC accused RedLasso last week of breaking copyright laws, and demanded that the service halt sharing by May 29, or they would pursue legal action.
In a press release issued late Thursday, the company invoked the First Amendment right "to provide social commentary on newsworthy events," asserting that RedLasso would continue to work toward licensing deals with content providers -- but that the site would remain operational during the process.
Additionally, RedLasso is beefing up its defense: Michael Jordan, former Westinghouse and CBS chief executive, has joined the company as a senior adviser. Jordan steps in to serve as a liaison between the company and complaining networks.
"I have joined forces with RedLasso because I have the greatest belief in the solution offered by the company and its long term viability," said Jordan in RedLasso's press release.
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