Mediaset strikes digital content deal with Google

[October 21, 2015]  MILAN (Reuters) - Italian broadcaster Mediaset and Google have clinched a content deal that brings an eight-year legal dispute to an end and opens prospects for future cooperation, the two companies said on Wednesday.

Mediaset, controlled by former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, said in a joint statement with the U.S. internet search company the agreement was aimed at developing its digital content through a partnership with YouTube and Google Play.

The deal also includes a joint strategy for content protection to ensure copyright protection, the companies said.

In 2008 Mediaset sued Google and its YouTube business for illegally using its material.

"Google/YouTube and Mediaset recognize the mutually constructive approach that has led to the agreement and are delighted with the prospects opened up," the two companies said.

(Reporting by Stephen Jewkes; Editing by Pravin Char)

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