UK-based EMI Music has filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against a California-based online music website over illegal streaming and downloading of Beatles songs to users.
In a statement released on Wednesday, EMI has confirmed that it has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Bluebeat.com at the US District Court in Los Angeles City. The music label has also demanded the online music service to immediately remove the songs from its website.
EMI has the copyrights to the said Beatles songs and other recordings. It has partnered with Apple Corps for its distribution online.
According to the acquired documents, Bluebeat is not an authorized seller of the songs, which were being peddled for 25 cents each in the website. Despite the filing of the case, Bluebeat continue to sell Beatles songs and albums as well as to stream online.
Sought for comment, Bluebeat declined to further state on the issue, adding that they will have to wait for the court documents before making any announcements.
It was learned that Apple Corps was under the management of the last surviving members of the band together with the spouses of late George Harrison and John Lennon.
The legendary Brit rock artists were extremely leery in making the Beatles songs available for the consumption of the digital consumers. It has even been reported that the group has blocked song delivery for the popular Apple Inc’s devices, the iPod Touch and iPhone.
Although there are several instances where the band made progressive steps in allowing their songs be streamed digitally, including that of “The Beatles: Rock Bannd” videogame. The game features performance and songs composed by the band.
Meanwhile, EMI has also revealed that its has signed a deal with Apple Corps that would allow it to make remastered catalogues of the Beatles songs included in a limited edition USB drive by December.
The Apple-shaped drives offers a 16GB memory and will come with some 14 stereo titles, photos, videos, and 13 mini-documentaries about the band and its studio albums.