June 19 (Bloomberg) -- Google Inc.'s YouTube was sued by Gestevision Telecinco SA, owner of Spain's most-watched television station, for Internet posting of illicit videos.

Telecinco is accusing the popular video-sharing Web site of copyright infringement, Telecinco said in a statement handed to reporters in Madrid today. YouTube has refused to take action to avoid postings of illicit videos, Madrid-based Telecinco said.

``We have tried everything to reach an agreement with Google and we have failed,'' Chief Executive Officer Paolo Vasile told reporters. ``This is an economic handicap for the company.''

Telecinco presented a complaint against Google on Feb. 21 at a court in Madrid and the company is now waiting for a date to be set for a preliminary hearing. After that, Telecinco will decide what amount to seek in damages, Vasile said.

To contact the reporters on this story: Paul Tobin in Madrid at ptobin@bloomberg.net; Gareth Gore in Madrid ggore1@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: June 19, 2008 07:04 EDT