Well, it’s about time someone shows them that they don’t have monopoly on the law.

We are used to movie and/or music companies suing audio and video content sharing sites. Google’s having headaches with YouTube, for example. But one of them is fighting back.

Video startup Veoh sues Universal Music, according to this TechCrunch report. Universal has threatened Veoh with lawsuits, and Veoh took the first shot by filing suit, citing the safe harbor provision of the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA).

From the press release:

In the face of unreasonable threats by Universal Music Group (UMG), Veoh has filed an action in Federal court to reinforce its rights as a copyright compliant company under the safe harbor provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

Veoh is making use of widely available Internet technology to enable viewers and content holders to come together in a new market for the consumption of online video. In this market, Veoh is actively taking steps to create a copyright friendly environment.

“It is unfortunate that UMG prefers to take actions that are designed to stifle innovation, shut down new markets and maintain the status quo instead of working to change and evolve models for today and the future” said Steve Mitgang, CEO of Veoh Networks.

Veoh’s court action seeks a declaration that it has not infringed UMG’s copyrights, and that because Veoh complies with the copyright laws, it is entitled to safe harbor under the DMCA from any claims brought by UMG. The action does not seek payment from UMG for damages.

Veoh is showing good faith by not seeking damages. I would have done the opposite; I’d milk them for millions.

I’m for Veoh on this one. Someone should teach these giants that their money-grubbing ways are over. It is time to end the music companies’ world domination.