The caution comes as the Motion Picture Association awaits the outcome of its attempt to force the UK's biggest ISP to block its customers' access to the NewzBin2 website - a decision which is set to be announced on July 12.
The music business, and in particular the BPI, is keeping a close eye on the case as, should the MPA's attempts prove successful, it could pave the way for other content owners to seek injunctions against other ISPs over other copyright infringing websites.
However, Reed Smith digital media partner Gregor Pryor said the cost and time involved in initiating legal action against ISP's meant he didn't foresee the music industry following in the footsteps of the film industry in launching a slew of similar cases against illegal sites.
He added that the industry had a history of seeking litigation before considering their own practices in relation to legitimate licensing - and noted that the Hargreaves Report had stressed the need to look at licensing again.
"This feels all a bit 2001. In the absence of a DEA, no matter how many illegal sites are blocked, others will open in their place," he explained. "And, with an explosion of hacking and security breaches it is clear to see that even if the MPA win this case they will lose. The current mentality of internet users is "Us versus The System" and if this prevails, then no amount of litigation will be able to stop piracy sites from popping up."
However, shadow culture secretary Ivan Lewis was more positive about the court case and said that should the MPA win new people would be brought to the negotiating table. He added he would prefer a scenario where people within both the film and the music industry reached a level of voluntary agreement over appropriate behaviour.
"There are discussions and negotiations [with regards to piracy], but there is a sense they are not going anywhere. Whereas if this court action does establish this existing law is already there then I think that would make a difference."
BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor said that like the film industry, the music sector was afflicted by websites which commercially exploit musicians' work without permission. He added, "This not only deprives musicians of their living, it undermines investment in new artists and in innovative legal digital services. The music industry will be following this case closely and will be hoping for a successful conclusion."
BT refused to comment.
Advertisement
