Arbitron Settles WKYC-TV Infringement Row

US radio ratings giant Arbitron has entered a settlement agreement with Gannett-owned WKYC-TV, resolving the legal action brought against the television broadcaster in January for copyright and trademark infringement.

In the suit, WKYC-TV was alleged to have run an ad campaign on webcaster Pandora, in which it stated that data involving Pandora audience listening estimates had been generated by Arbitron. The webcaster had partnered with WKYC-TV to offer the online audio service as part of TV sales packages.

However, Arbitron said WKYC-TV had 'willfully and intentionally' infringed by distributing copyrighted average quarter hour audience estimates obtained from its reports and databases without its authorization.

Arbitron had originally claimed up to $6.3m for unauthorised use of its audience estimates and trademarks, and the TV broadcaster has now agreed to settle for an undisclosed sum, while also agreeing not to engage in any activities that would infringe Arbitron's intellectual property rights. In turn, the ratings firm has agreed not to pursue legal action against WKYC-TV, so long as it complies with the terms of the settlement agreement.

Web site: www.arbitron.com .