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Zahavah Levine

12/05/24

@ Sequoia Capital

I joined YouTube as its first lawyer, tasked with navigating the legal landscape to ensure we could monetize user-generated videos without facing liability for copyright infringement.

Video

How YouTube Was Created ft. Founder Steve Chen

@ Sequoia Capital

How YouTube Was Created ft. Founder Steve Chen

12/05/24

Related Takeaways

Zahavah Levine

12/05/24

@ Sequoia Capital

As YouTube began generating advertising revenue, we faced legal challenges regarding copyright issues related to user-generated content.

Sequoia Capital Cast

12/05/24

@ Sequoia Capital

The realization that YouTube's survival depended on selling to a company with more resources to handle legal challenges became clear after facing inevitable litigation from rights holders.

Sequoia Capital Cast

12/05/24

@ Sequoia Capital

The decision to pursue an acquisition with Google was driven by the need for legal support, as YouTube was too small to effectively manage the impending copyright battles alone.

Zahavah Levine

12/05/24

@ Sequoia Capital

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) provided a potential safe harbor for YouTube, allowing us to build a business model that could benefit creators and copyright holders alike.

Sequoia Capital Cast

12/05/24

@ Sequoia Capital

The ruling in 2010 that YouTube was eligible for DMCA Safe Harbor protected it from copyright liability, marking a significant legal victory for the platform.

Sequoia Capital Cast

12/05/24

@ Sequoia Capital

I believed YouTube could become the destination for user-generated video on the internet. They had a spectacular team, and the product was delightful and easy to use, which led to Sequoia Capital backing YouTube's first financing.

Sequoia Capital Cast

12/05/24

@ Sequoia Capital

YouTube's Content ID system, developed with Google's resources, became crucial for managing copyright issues and ensuring the platform's survival and growth.

Zahavah Levine

12/05/24

@ Sequoia Capital

Negotiations with Universal Music Group turned hostile, highlighting the challenges we faced in establishing a fair licensing agreement while ensuring YouTube's survival.

FULL SEND PODCAST Cast

09/30/22

@ FULL SEND PODCAST

YouTube's growth is inevitable, and I plan to leverage my position to build other ventures like restaurants and gaming companies.