There’s nothing like Court TV, but when it comes to the real deal, Viacom and particularly YouTube star at the top of the list. In its efforts to overturn an NY judge’s ruling of YouTube’s status as a sort of safe haven from direct and contributory copyright infringement lawsuits, Viacom has hired leading appellate lawyer Theodore Olson.

“Viacom is determined to have better success at the appellate level, leading it to hire Theodore Olson, one of the most esteemed appellate lawyers in the country, for the second round of this battle.”

It’s almost impossible to taste the bitterness between the two corporations, as hiring Olson – directly involved in some of these times’ highest profile cases – is not an attempt to overturn a decision, but a move in for the kill. Viacom’s appeal is scheduled to be filed on December 3^rd, but Google is not so far behind, as it submitted a motion 3 weeks ago consolidate the appeals of good old Viacom, and another class action of plaintiffs led by the U.K. Premier League.

This move, aimed to supposedly ‘ease’ the court’s decision making in regard to the upcoming appeal obviously has more offensive value to it than what Google claims, but either way, they definitely managed to raise a response from Viacom.  Strongly objecting to this, YouTube’s long time rival did suffer some sort of a hit, but the court  found the middle ground and determined  the U.K. Premier League and the entertainment giant will be “consolidated and heard in tandem” while filing two different briefs.