Arbitron is serious about protecting its intellectual property.
The ratings company says it reached a settlement agreement with WKYC(TV), Cleveland, to resolve legal action that Arbitron brought against the station.
Arbitron had sued the television station, alleging copyright and trademark infringement.
In a lawsuit filed Jan. 25, Arbitron alleged that WKYC(TV) copied and distributed Arbitron’s copyrighted audience estimates without permission. Arbitron also alleged that WKYC improperly used Arbitron’s federally registered trademarks to create the false impression that non-Arbitron audience estimates for Internet radio service Pandora were genuine Arbitron products.
Gannett-owned WKYC(TV) agreed to settle for an undisclosed sum. The broadcaster also agreed not to engage in any activities that would infringe Arbitron’s intellectual property rights in its data, information, and audience estimates.
In exchange, Arbitron agreed not to pursue legal action against WKYC as long as the station complies with the terms of the settlement agreement.
