Share

Beatles copyrights violated

accreditation
Los Angeles - A federal judge has ruled that a website that sold songs by The Beatles for 25 cents before they were legally digitally available is liable for copyright infringement.

US District Judge Josephine Staton Tucker ruled on Wednesday that BlueBeat.com violated the copyrights of music company EMI Group and others. The site streamed and sold music by the Fab Four and other top-name acts, including Coldplay and Lily Allen, for several days before music companies sued to shut it down in November 2009.

The ruling came roughly a week after EMI's attorneys argued that BlueBeat and owner Hank Risan should be found liable for copyright infringement and unfair competition.

A phone message left for BlueBeat's attorney, Archie Robinson, was not immediately returned.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE