Bestselling records last year by Katy Perry and David Guetta were not enough to offset the decline in sales and profits at the Irish unit of music giant EMI.

Four music companies are challenging the Data Protection Commissioner’s order to stop them unwinding their “three strikes and you’re out” agreement with Eircom aimed at combating the illegal downloading of music.

FIVE major record companies have taken legal action against an internet service provider here in a further bid to stop illegal downloading of music which they estimate costs them and performers almost €20 million a year.