June 14, 2008 14:46

Police accused of breaking copyright laws

Lancashire force could be heading to the High Court dock

Lancashire Police may have to pay substantial damages after the Performing Rights Society accused them of breaking copyright laws.

The PRS claim that the force have been playing music in their stations, parties and staff gyms and to callers on the phones without possessing the correct license.

The copyright organisation has now taken the matter to the High Court in London, asking for damages and an injunction after Lancashire Police, along with 11 other police forces, refused to pay them.

A license to play music may be needed if music is audible to others, which constitutes a public performance in the eyes of the PRS.

Ars Technica reports that the PRS demanded £200,000 of damages from Kwik-Fit in 2007 because of the volume of some of their mechanics' radios.