RedLasso To Networks: We're Not Going Anywhere

Posted by Eriq Gardner

One part dodge, one part thumb to the nose.

RedLasso has finally responded to that cease-and-desist letter from broadcasters demanding that the novel web service be shut down. RedLasso has become popular by letting users search its database of recorded television for clips to post online.

In a press release, the company says "it will continue to make its site available for use by bloggers providing social commentary on newsworthy events as it continues to work towards cooperative, mutually beneficial arrangements with those and other content providers."

It doesn't specifically defend itself against allegations of copyright infringement by Fox, CBS, and NBC. But we're sure that "fair use" would be the main argument, as signaled by its use of the phrase, "social commentary on newsworthy events."

The company also says it has engaged Michael Jordan, former Westinghouse Corporation and CBS chief executive, as a senior advisor to help its talks with the networks, but no doubt that by continuing to operate in the face of a warning that RedLasso has raised the damages stake if actual litigation breaks out.