After being sued for billions (from inherited headaches), Google has finally launched its measure against future lawsuits. Google previously announced that it is developing a detection technology. Now it’s here -
YouTube Video Identification. It helps publishers to look for possible infringements and also features the following

• Our strict repeat-infringer policy, which has been in place since our launch, terminates accounts of repeat infringers based on DMCA notices.
• We take a unique “hash” of every video removed for copyright infringement and block re-upload of that exact video file prospectively.
• We require a 10-minute limit on the length of content uploaded to the site.
• We provide content owners with an electronic notification and takedown tool, to help them more easily identify their material and notify us to take it down with the click of a mouse.
• We also publish copyright tips for users in plain English and clear, prominent messaging at the time of user upload.

The technology is still in Beta. Now, just to sit back and see if this will rid YouTube of pirated material. While I don’t advocate piracy, less of what’s already in YouTube will make it boring.

Source: Google Blog via http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2007/10/youtubes-video-identification.html