13 Mar 2010

Pink Floyd wins case against EMI

9:56 am on 13 March 2010

British band Pink Floyd has won a legal battle against its record label, EMI, over royalties paid for internet downloads.

EMI has been banned from selling individual tracks from albums online without the band's permission. The ban also applies to mobile ringtones.

The record company claimed Pink Floyd controlled only its physical albums, but the High Court in London ruled against this.

A copyright lawyer and music downloading specialist, Robin Fry, says the judgement doesn't just relate to concept albums - like the band's Dark Side of the Moon.

He says it could apply to any form of music where there is any element of difference between the physical product and the legal downloading.

Mr Fry believes many performers may try to renegotiate contracts.

The court is yet to award damages.