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Mediaset strikes digital content deal with Google

A logo is pictured at Google's European Engineering Center in Zurich April16, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/Files

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)