Google Buys DRM Provider Widevine

Google has acquired Widevine, a startup that provides digital rights management software and video-delivery technologies.

Terms of the deal weren't disclosed. Investors in Seattle-based Widevine include Cisco Systems, Liberty Global, Constellation Ventures, Dai Nippon Printing Co., PaceSetter Capital Group, Phoenix Partners, Telus, VantagePoint Venture Partners and Western Technology Investments.

Customers that have struck deals to use Widevine's content-protection technologies include AT&T, NBC, Dish Network, Netflix, Best Buy and Panasonic.

"We are committed to maintaining Widevine's agreements and will provide direct, quality support for their existing and future clients -- and we plan to build upon Widevine's technology to enhance both their products and our own," Google vice president of product management Mario Queiroz wrote in a blog post Friday announcing the deal.

Widevine CEO Brian Baker said in a statement, "By working with Google, we are even further committed to the consumer Internet video experience and to the needs of content owners. Widevine will continue to supply the industry with leading video optimization and content protection solutions. We are excited to have access to Google's vast resources as we continue to improve our products, support our customers, and meet the future needs of consumers, content owners, service providers and device manufacturers everywhere."