Music firms want UPC to prevent illegal downloads

Three music companies claim UPC Communications, the country’s second largest internet service provider (ISP), must be forced by court order to move against it subscribers who illegally download music and other copyrighted material.

The Irish companies of Sony Music, Warner Music, and Universal Music want injunctions requiring UPC to apply rules to combat illegal downloading which have already been agreed with the largest ISP, Eircom.

The Commercial Court yesterday began hearing the three companies’ application for injunctions against UPC. The case before Mr Justice Brian Cregan is due to last up to eight days.