MUMBAI: In a landmark judgement, Google’s video website YouTube has won the billion dollar case against Viacom.

The court has decided that YouTube is protected by the safe harbor of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) against claims of copyright infringement. The decision follows established judicial consensus that online services like YouTube are protected when they work cooperatively with copyright holders to help them manage their rights online.

In the suit, Viacom alleged that YouTube had a responsibility to immediately remove all pirated content from its site. YouTube contended that it has only the duty to take down specific videos identified by copyright holders.

"This is an important victory not just for us, but also for the billions of people around the world who use the web to communicate and share experiences with each other. We’re excited about this decision and look forward to renewing our focus on supporting the incredible variety of ideas and expression that billions of people post and watch on YouTube every day around the world," said Google vice president and general counsel Kent Walker.

This decision also applies to other parties to the lawsuit, including the Premier League.