Online piracy ‘will cost music industry millions’

MUSIC piracy will continue to cost the music industry here millions, a High Court judge said yesterday, after five recording companies failed to secure an injunction against internet service provider UPC aimed at clamping down on illegal downloading.

In a lengthy written judgment, Mr Justice Peter Charleton said €20 million could be lost annually by the music industry as a result of illegal file sharing and downloading, and warned of an “even bleaker future for the music industry”.

The five companies – EMI Records (Ireland), Sony Music Entertainment (Ireland), Universal Music Ireland, Warner Music Ireland and WEA International – had sought the injunction against UPC, the third largest internet provider.